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Are you a Christian Caregiver overwhelmed by the challenges of dementia or Alzheimer’s? Do you find yourself asking questions like: “How can I survive dementia caregiving?” or “What does dementia caregiving look like from a Christian perspective?” This podcast is designed for you. We offer real hope and help by providing practical, faith-driven solutions to make dementia care easier. Answering Your Most Pressing Questions: How to survive dementia caregiving? Caregiving is a long journey that can be emotionally and physically exhausting. This podcast helps you not only survive but thrive by grounding your caregiving approach in faith. What is dementia caregiving from a Christian perspective? Explore how Biblical principles can guide your caregiving journey, offering strength and hope even in the most challenging times. How do I care for elderly parents with dementia? Discover practical strategies for providing care that honors your loved ones, while managing the daily responsibilities that come with dementia caregiving. What are common dementia behaviors, and how do I manage them? Dementia can bring challenging behaviors like agitation or confusion. Learn how to manage these behaviors with grace and faith, using proven caregiving techniques and Biblical insights. How do I cope with dementia behaviors through faith? Faith can be a powerful tool in caregiving. We’ll discuss ways to keep your faith strong, helping you cope with even the most difficult dementia-related behaviors. What are the stages of Alzheimer’s disease, and how can I prepare? Understanding the stages of Alzheimer’s can help you prepare for what’s to come. We break down each stage, offering insight into what you can expect and how to care for your loved one. How do I know if my parent has dementia symptoms? Early detection is key. Learn about the common symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s so you can seek help and make informed decisions for your loved one. Can I practice self-care while being a dementia caregiver? Yes, and it’s essential. Caregiver burnout is real, and this podcast offers practical advice on balancing caregiving with self-care, so you can maintain your health while caring for someone else. How do I provide spiritual care for someone with dementia? Explore ways to integrate spiritual care into your daily caregiving routines, helping your loved one maintain their connection to faith even as their cognitive abilities change. When should someone with dementia go into a care home? Deciding when it’s time to transition your loved one to professional care is never easy. We discuss how to approach this decision with faith, peace, and clarity. What are the best Christian dementia support groups, and how can I find them? Connecting with a community that understands your journey is crucial. We guide you on where to find Christian dementia caregiver support groups that align with your values. What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease? We cover the symptoms of Alzheimer’s in detail, helping you recognize signs early and providing guidance on how to navigate the journey ahead. Why Christian Dementia Caregiving Is Different: Unlike other caregiving podcasts, Christian Dementia Caregiving offers a unique combination of faith-based caregiving and practical solutions. Grounded in Biblical principles, we provide strategies that help you manage the emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges of dementia caregiving. We address the specific needs of Christian caregivers, helping you: Find peace in your caregiving journey. Cope with stress using faith-driven techniques. Prepare for each stage of Alzheimer’s with confidence. Prevent caregiver burnout through faith and practical self-care strategies. Make difficult decisions about care homes, end-of-life care, and more with spiritual clarity. Join Our Christian Caregiver Community: Caregiving doesn’t have to be lonely. Through this podcast, you’ll find a supportive community of like-minded Christian caregivers who understand your struggles and offer the encouragement you need. Together, we can make dementia caregiving easier while glorifying God, despite the diagnosis. Subscribe and Connect: Subscribe to the podcast today to get regular insights and support. We cover everything from practical tips to faith-based encouragement, offering you the tools and hope you need to succeed in your caregiving role. Visit thinkdifferentdementia.com for additional resources, free workshops, and support to help you navigate your caregiving journey. Email: lizette@thinkdifferentdementia.com Website: https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com May the Lord bless and keep you, and see you in the next episode.
Episodes
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Today on our program, we're diving into a topic that I haven't delved into much before: caregiver guilt during the holidays. To understand this concept better, I did some research, and here's what I found.
Guilt is typically associated with legal contexts, where one is either guilty or not guilty of a crime. As caregivers, we often experience misplaced guilt, feeling like we're not doing enough when we truly are. This guilt can stem from societal expectations or our own perceived shortcomings.
In this podcast episode:
0:01:14 Understanding Caregiver Guilt and its Effects
0:03:27 Strategies for Managing Caregiver Guilt
0:06:59 Acknowledging and managing caregiver guilt
0:09:39 Reframing negative thoughts and focusing on self-care
0:11:08 Creating space for self-care and making the best decisions
0:15:23 Strategies for Dementia Caregiving during the Holidays
0:16:08 Overcoming Caregiver Guilt during the Holidays
0:17:02 Prioritizing and Enjoying the Holidays as a Caregiver
Additionally, caregivers may feel guilty for taking time for themselves or prioritizing their own needs. However, it's important to remember that we can't pour from an empty cup and that self-care is crucial for our well-being.
November is National Family Caregiver Month, highlighting the rights caregivers have to take care of themselves. It's natural for caregivers to occasionally lose patience or feel frustrated, but we must be gracious and understanding toward ourselves.
Making unpopular decisions is another source of guilt for caregivers, such as taking away a loved one's car or considering assisted living. Balancing caregiving with other responsibilities, like work or marriage, can also evoke guilt.
While it's essential to acknowledge our feelings of guilt, we must challenge the notion that we've done something wrong. Our emotions are valid, but they don't always align with reality. Negative thoughts can spiral, leading to a sense of overwhelm and a belief that things will never improve.
Therefore, it's crucial to be mindful of our thoughts and not dwell in a space of guilt. By reframing our mindset, we can navigate the challenges of caregiving with resilience and hope.
Caregiver guilt is a common experience, with feelings of not doing enough and taking time for oneself causing guilt. Managing emotions and making decisions different from what others prefer can also lead to guilt.
However, I encourage a shift in perspective during the holidays. I suggest taking a moment to list all the things done for our loved one, realizing that we are indeed doing enough. Misplaced expectations from both sides can contribute to guilt, but focusing on self-care is essential.
I emphasize the analogy of putting on your oxygen mask before helping others, highlighting the importance of respite care and seeking support. I emphasize reframing frustrations and understanding that loved ones cannot control their circumstances.
Making decisions with the best available information is crucial, even if they may not be popular. Balancing responsibilities can be achieved by putting structures in place ahead of time.
During the holidays, I suggest smaller gatherings and creating space without guilt. I stress that as long as the person needing care is taken care of, it is okay to prioritize spending time with our own family. Saying no to overwhelming demands is okay, and prioritizing the well-being of loved ones is key.
I acknowledge my own misplaced guilt and provide strategies to navigate caregiver guilt during the holiday season.
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