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Are You a Christian Family Caregiver Feeling Worn Thin by Dementia or Alzheimer’s?
You’re not the first Christian caregiver to face this—and you don’t have to guess your way through it.
Welcome to Dementia Caregiver Support for Christians, the podcast that helps you stop guessing in the fog, see what’s actually happening, and learn how to steward this season faithfully with Christ-centered care.
Whether you’re a spouse, adult child, or family member trying to walk this journey faithfully, this show meets you at the intersection of practical dementia guidance and biblical clarity for real caregiving decisions—so you can care for your loved one while protecting your marriage, honoring your responsibilities, and remaining anchored in truth
Here, we answer the questions Christian caregivers are actually asking:
✅ What are the stages of Alzheimer’s disease, and how can I prepare for each stage as a caregiver?
✅ How do I survive dementia caregiving without burnout?
✅ How do I handle aggressive or challenging dementia behaviors – like hitting, yelling, or refusing care?
✅ What is sundowning and how can I manage it?
✅ When is it time to move my loved one to a memory care facility or nursing home?
✅ Why does my loved one with dementia keep asking the same questions repeatedly, and how should I respond?
✅ How can I get my loved one with dementia to bathe or maintain hygiene when they resist?
✅ How do I prevent my loved one from wandering or getting lost?
✅ How do I balance caring for my loved one and other responsibilities (kids, job, spouse) without feeling guilty?
✅ What does dementia caregiving look like from a Christian perspective?
✅ How can I maintain my faith and trust in God while caring for someone with dementia?
✅ Why would God allow my loved one to suffer from Alzheimer’s?
✅ How can I cope with caregiver guilt as a Christian?
✅ What does the Bible say about honoring and caring for elderly parents with dementia?
✅ How do I care for my parent with dementia without losing my marriage?
This podcast isn’t just about surviving—it’s about stewarding.
Because caregiving isn’t a detour from your life. It’s part of your calling.
Each episode offers:
✔️ Biblical clarity in the middle of emotional fog
✔️ Practical, research-informed strategies you can actually use
✔️ Guidance that honors your loved one and protects your most important relationships
✔️ Peace that comes from clear discernment, faithful obedience, and knowing you are not carrying this outside of Christ’s care
You won’t find sugarcoating here. You’ll find real help, thoughtful reflection, and truth rooted in Scripture—spoken plainly, practically, and with care.
🎧 Subscribe now to Dementia Caregiver Support for Christians and take the next faithful step forward—with peace, purpose, and a voice you can trust.
📍 Find free resources and tools at: ThinkDifferentDementia.com
📧 Email: lizette@thinkdifferentdementia.com
🙏 May the Lord bless and keep you—and I’ll see you in the next episode.
Episodes
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Monday Nov 20, 2023
In this episode of "Dementia Caregiving for Families," Lizette discusses the four possible plans for individuals living with dementia, addressing the lack of conversation and clarity surrounding these plans within the healthcare system.
Many caregivers are given brochures on dementia without a thorough explanation of the four ultimate outcomes, leading to confusion and overwhelm.
The first outcome Lizette highlights is the need for 24-hour care, which is not clearly communicated from the beginning of the dementia process. The second outcome is that dementia is considered a terminal condition, even though not everyone will die from it.
Lizette then introduces a quadrant diagram to present the third and fourth outcomes. In the bottom left corner is at-home intermittent care, where the person with dementia receives occasional supervision while still living in their own home or a family member's home. In the bottom right corner is at-home 24-hour care, where the person requires round-the-clock supervision in a family member's home.
These four plans aim to provide clarity and guidance for caregivers navigating the challenges of dementia caregiving.
In this podcast episode:
0:01:03 The Four Plans for Dementia Caregiving
0:02:01 Lack of Information on Dementia Care Options
0:03:18 The Unspoken Reality: 24-hour Care for Dementia Patients
0:05:35 Terminal Processes: Cancer, Head Injuries, and Dementia
0:06:39 Understanding the Need for 24-hour Supervision with Dementia
0:08:00 Intermittent and 24-hour Care Options for Dementia Patients
0:15:12 Empowering Family Caregivers with Clear Plans
0:17:10 Supporting Independent Living with Intermittent Supervision
0:20:10 Serving the Success Seekers with Heart and Soul
Moving on, Lizette explains the four available plans in detail. The first two plans involve the person living at home with intermittent or 24-hour supervision provided by family members or paid caregivers.
The third plan is assisted living or memory care, offering intermittent supervision in a facility-based setting. Lastly, the fourth plan entails 24-hour care in a skilled nursing facility.
Lizette acknowledges that these options may not be feasible or affordable for everyone and encourages listeners to consider their own constraints and make the best decision based on their unique circumstances.
Lizette emphasizes that these decisions are not set in stone and can be changed. They advise listeners to take an active step forward and make the next decision they feel is necessary, reassuring them that they don't need to have all the answers right away.
Sharing their personal situation of supporting their parents to live in their own home with intermittent assistance, Lizette reminds listeners that decisions can be adjusted if needed.
In conclusion, Lizette emphasizes that all plans can be changed and none of them are irreversible. They encourage caregivers to start the journey, reminding them of the four main plans available: nursing home, assisted living facility, 24-hour care at home, or self-care.
Lizette hopes that this discussion has helped listeners feel less overwhelmed and gain clarity about the available plans.
Enjoy our podcast? Please take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts—it really supports our show!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dementia-caregiving-for-families/id1716187550
Book a Call with Lizette
https://www.dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/book-a-call-meeting-with-lizette
Are you helping someone you love with dementia?
The First Thing You Need To Know Is... You Are Not Alone!
Join our FREE workshop here: https://www.dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/wsl
Join our Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1301886810018410
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Monday Nov 20, 2023
In this episode of Dementia Caregiving for Families, I open up about my unexpected journey into caregiving for my dad. As a therapist, I never anticipated being thrown into this role, and the news of my dad being hospitalized was devastating.
The thought of placing him in a nursing home was something I couldn't bear, knowing the emotional toll it takes on both the caregiver and the person being cared for.
Despite knowing it would only be temporary, I couldn't bring myself to do it. This sudden caregiving responsibility was thrust upon me due to my mom's health issues in the past. I found myself overwhelmed and exhausted as it disrupted my own life and responsibilities.
Unfortunately, my dad's health deteriorated rapidly, and I had to fight with healthcare professionals to ensure he received the necessary care. In the end, he ended up back in the hospital, even sicker than before.
In this episode:
0:01:02 Unexpected Phone Call Changes Everything
0:02:03 The Fear of Nursing Homes and Caregiving Responsibilities
0:05:12 Crisis Mode: Dad Readmitted to the Hospital
0:13:09 Choosing to be a caregiver and making a plan
0:14:03 Enforcing the plan and being in control
0:15:12 Overcoming overwhelm and becoming an empowered caregiver
0:16:21 Transitioning from reactive to proactive caregiving
0:19:17 Identifying whether you are an overwhelmed or empowered caregiver
0:20:55 A Heartfelt Invitation to Join Our Supportive Community
It became evident that a significant crisis was unfolding. My parents could no longer be left alone, so my husband and I made the decision to move them in with us temporarily.
However, this period was incredibly challenging and overwhelming for me. Juggling work, taking care of my parents, and facing numerous obstacles took its toll.
It was a devastating time, but it brought about a realization - I had a choice in how I approached caregiving. I made the decision to become a proactive caregiver, and it transformed my life overnight. I discovered that there are two types of caregivers: those who are drowning and overwhelmed, and those who are successful and manage to come out relatively unscathed.
The power to be a proactive caregiver lies within me, not my parents. The successful caregivers I've encountered intentionally took on the role and created a caregiving plan. They had a sense of control and were able to navigate the challenges.
Now, I want to know where our listeners are in their caregiving journey. Are they still overwhelmed and reacting to every situation, or have they become empowered and proactive?
If they're still struggling, I'm here to offer support and guidance to help them transition into becoming proactive caregivers.
We need to shift our mindset about dementia caregiving and put practical strategies in place to assist caregivers. It's important to remember that caregiving isn't a sprint, but a marathon, and preparation plays a crucial role.
In today's episode, we delve into the significance of planning ahead in the caregiving journey. Just like embarking on a vacation, one wouldn't set off on an epic trip without preparing.
The same applies to caregiving. Dementia caregiving is a long and challenging journey that requires proactive planning to prevent burnout. The first step towards becoming an empowered caregiver is actively deciding to assume the role.
We encourage our listeners to join our community, subscribe to the podcast, and share it with other family caregivers. Together, we can navigate the complexities of dementia caregiving and find peace of mind and ease.
Enjoy our podcast? Please take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts—it really supports our show!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dementia-caregiving-for-families/id1716187550
Book a Call with Lizette
https://www.dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/book-a-call-meeting-with-lizette
Are you helping someone you love with dementia?
The First Thing You Need To Know Is... You Are Not Alone!
Join our FREE workshop here: https://www.dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/wsl
Join our Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1301886810018410
Monday Nov 13, 2023
Monday Nov 13, 2023
In the Dementia Caregiving for Families podcast, we delve into the important topic of improving the quality of life for individuals living with dementia and the caregivers who support them. With my background as an occupational therapist, I recognize the challenges that family caregivers face and the limited resources available to them.
Our healthcare system often overlooks the needs of dementia patients and their families, leaving them without the necessary guidance and support. This realization has fueled my passion to create this podcast, where we aim to provide reliable dementia education, practical caregiving skills, and effective strategies to address challenging behaviors.
By subscribing to this podcast and joining our Facebook group, you will gain access to valuable information and a supportive community. Together, we can navigate the complexities of dementia caregiving and choose a path that brings peace of mind to ourselves and improves the well-being of our loved ones.
Join us on this journey to better understand dementia and caregiving. Let's empower ourselves with the tools and knowledge to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by dementia. Together, we can choose an easier path in dementia caregiving.
Enjoy our podcast? Please take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts—it really supports our show!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dementia-caregiving-for-families/id1716187550
Book a Call with Lizette
https://www.dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/book-a-call-meeting-with-lizette
Are you helping someone you love with dementia?
The First Thing You Need To Know Is... You Are Not Alone!
Join our FREE workshop here: https://www.dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/wsl
Join our Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1301886810018410
It's time to chose ease...
Are you a family caregiver who is dealing with dementia in your life and you feel overwhelmed with the never-ending challenges you face, and don’t know where to turn for help?
Are you searching for answers to your questions about dementia, joining countless Facebook groups but find them toxic and a waste of your precious time?
Do you want to face your dementia caregiving journey in a proactive way, but feel confused about where to even start?
Are you juggling your marriage, your kids, your work, your faith and your loved one’s life and still feel like you are letting everyone down?
Learning the skills you need to simplify your dementia caregiving may seem hard.
But not learning the skills you need to simplify your dementia caregiving journey will be even harder.
It is time to choose your “hard”.
The choice is 100% yours.
I know what I chose: I chose to have ease in my dementia caregiving journey.
Hey, Dementia Success Seeker!
I’m Lizette Cloete. 30 + year veteran occupational therapist turned into a dementia educator, coach and consultant and I am a daughter of dementia.
In this podcast you will learn the truth that the only way to increase the ease of your dementia caregiving journey rests squarely in YOUR hands.
The way you actively prepare and what you believe about dementia caregiving makes all the difference.
>>>You will gain the practical skills you need to simplify care.
>>>You will be challenged by what it means to be a successful caregiver, teaching you to harness the power of the most powerful caregiving tool that you have: your mindset.
>>>And you will learn exactly what dementia is (and is not), how dementia changes the brain and what you can expect next in your dementia caregiving journey.
You will find a community of like minded family caregivers, helping someone with dementia and you will not be alone anymore.
My mission is to help the unsung heroes who are in the midst of dementia caregiving, with the skills to simplify your dementia care journey so that you don’t feel overwhelmed and burn out.
I help you find clarity and certainty using the latest evidence based research, so you have perseverance for this marathon.
I approach dementia caregiving using faith informed principles that allow you to navigate this journey with peace of mind.
So, warm up your coffee, grab a notebook and pen and be ready to be a Dementia Success Seeker.
It’s time to choose your easy.