Dementia Caregiver Support for Christians: Conversations To Make Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Easier Today By Reducing Stress, Overwhelm and Burnout

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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 Oct 07, 2024

180. Breaking the Cycle of Therapeutic Lying: A New Caregiving Method

Monday Oct 07, 2024

Have you ever felt conflicted about using therapeutic lying while caring for a loved one with dementia? It’s a technique widely taught, but for many Christian caregivers, the idea of lying—no matter how well-intentioned—can feel wrong.

In this episode, we explore a powerful alternative: therapeutic truth-telling.

We delve into how caregivers can uphold their values while still providing compassionate and effective care for their loved ones. If you're seeking a way to care for someone with dementia without compromising on your principles, this episode is for you.

Are you ready to try therapeutic truth-telling in your caregiving journey? This episode offers a compassionate, values-driven approach to dementia care that aligns with your faith and builds stronger relationships with your loved one.

Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress?
Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today!
https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/quiz

Join the Christian Dementia Caregiving Facebook Group today for more support:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1301886810018410

Are You A Christian Dementia Caregiver Struggling To Cope With Caregiving?
Join the FREE "Ask the Dementia Coach" Monthly Meet Up! And be on the podcast, get support and your questions answered.
https://thinkdifferentdementia.com/ask

Register For Your Personalized Dementia Care Audit
Get Individual Guidance & Support! Only One Available Per Month. Be a Co-Creator of the podcast and get a customized audit of your caregiving journey.
https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/audit

Enjoy our podcast? Please take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify —it really supports our show!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dementia-caregiving-for-families/id1716187550

Friday Oct 04, 2024

179. How To Best Manage Family Dynamics: Resources For Dementia Caregivers

Friday Oct 04, 2024

Are you struggling to manage family relationships while caregiving for a loved one with dementia?

This episode offers practical insights into dealing with difficult family dynamics that often arise in dementia caregiving. Whether it’s resentment, conflict, or the pressures of a multi-generational household, this episode breaks down some of the biggest challenges—and offers hope for navigating them successfully.

Whether it's finding additional help, planning respite time, or managing family conflicts, having a plan in place ensures you can navigate this journey with less stress and more peace.

Are you ready to take control of your caregiving journey? This episode offers real strategies to help you manage family dynamics while caring for a loved one with dementia.

Listen now and discover ways to create a healthier, more balanced caregiving experience.

Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress?
Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today!
https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/quiz

Join the Christian Dementia Caregiving Facebook Group today for more support:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1301886810018410

Wednesday Oct 02, 2024

178. How To Best Manage Challenging Behaviors: Resources For Dementia Caregivers

Wednesday Oct 02, 2024

Are you struggling with challenging behaviors in your loved one with dementia? You’re not alone. Many caregivers face the frustration of trying to understand and manage unpredictable behaviors.

In this episode, we tackle these common caregiving challenges with practical advice and biblical encouragement. Let’s break down some key questions about managing these difficult moments.

A common concern for caregivers is understanding what to expect as dementia progresses. The truth is, a person’s behavior during dementia is often a magnification of their pre-existing traits.

If your loved one was anxious before, their anxiety may increase. If they were calm, they may remain relatively peaceful until the later stages.

What many don’t realize is that dementia follows a backward progression, known as retrogenesis, where individuals slowly lose the abilities they gained in early life.

By seeing dementia as a reverse developmental process, caregivers can begin to anticipate changes and prepare for the future.

Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress?
Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today!
https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/quiz

Join the Christian Dementia Caregiving Facebook Group today for more support:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1301886810018410

Monday Sep 30, 2024

177. How To Best Use Long Term Care Insurance In Dementia Caregiving With Luke Mangum

Monday Sep 30, 2024

Have you ever considered how long-term care insurance could protect your family from financial stress? For many caregivers of loved ones with dementia, it’s a topic often overlooked—until it’s too late.

In Episode 177, we explore this crucial yet under-discussed topic: long-term care insurance. Whether you're caring for a parent with dementia or considering your own future needs, this episode offers a clear guide on why planning ahead is essential for every caregiver.

Our guest Luke Mangum from https://southcarolina.massmutual.com, is a married guy with kids, who loves being around friends and meeting new
people. He’s passionate about helping others simplify their finances and make smart money decisions. Always curious and eager to learn, Luke enjoys picking up new skills.

When he's not busy with work, you’ll find him hiking or exploring the outdoors, soaking in nature. His friendly, down-to-earth attitude makes him great at what he does and fun to be around.

Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress?
Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today!
https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/quiz

Join the Christian Dementia Caregiving Facebook Group today for more support:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1301886810018410

Friday Sep 27, 2024

176. Why Being In Charge, Not Control, Makes Dementia Care Easier

Friday Sep 27, 2024

Do you feel overwhelmed trying to control every aspect of caregiving?
Is it leaving you frustrated and disconnected from your loved one?

In this episode, we look at a powerful shift: letting go of control in your dementia care journey and embracing a guiding role instead. It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to manage every task and routine, but that can often lead to burnout and stress.

By reframing your role, you can foster deeper relationships and reduce anxiety.

Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress?
Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today!
https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/quiz

Join the Christian Dementia Caregiving Facebook Group today for more support:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1301886810018410

Wednesday Sep 25, 2024

175. How To Improve Emotional Resilience And Faith Using Relationship-Centered Dementia Care

Wednesday Sep 25, 2024

Are you finding it difficult to balance your relationship with your loved one and the endless caregiving tasks? This can be one of the most challenging aspects of dementia care, but what if focusing on your bond with them could actually ease the caregiving journey?

In this episode, Lizette reflects on their own experiences as a family caregiver, diving into the concept of relationship-centered care.

The shift from focusing on just the patient to placing the relationship between the caregiver and the person with dementia at the forefront has been pivotal in their journey.

Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress?
Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today!
https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/quiz

Join the Christian Dementia Caregiving Facebook Group today for more support:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1301886810018410

Monday Sep 23, 2024

174. How To Best Transition Living Situations: Resources For Dementia Caregivers

Monday Sep 23, 2024

Have you ever wondered when it’s the right time to move your loved one with dementia to a new living environment?

This is a question that many caregivers face. Let’s imagine Sarah, a devoted daughter caring for her father, who has dementia. For months, she’s noticed subtle changes in his memory and how he interacts with his home. He no longer remembers where the pots and pans are or how to get food from the fridge. Sarah knows that his safety is a growing concern.

But when is the right time to make the transition to a new living environment?

Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress?
Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today!
https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/quiz

Join the Christian Dementia Caregiving Facebook Group today for more support:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1301886810018410

Friday Sep 20, 2024

173. How to Embrace Your Future After Dementia Caregiving

Friday Sep 20, 2024

Are you ready to think about life after caregiving?

Imagine you’re on a never-ending journey, with each day bringing new challenges and uncertainties. This is how many caregivers feel while navigating dementia care.
You might be overwhelmed by the daily tasks—grocery shopping, doctor appointments, and managing the health of your loved one. But have you ever paused to think about your life after caregiving?

In today’s episode, we explore a different perspective: the future beyond caregiving. Let’s break away from the day-to-day grind and reflect on what happens when this chapter of your life ends.

Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress?
Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today!
https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/quiz

Join the Christian Dementia Caregiving Facebook Group today for more support:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1301886810018410

Wednesday Sep 18, 2024

172. How To Transform Dementia Caregiving From Struggle Into Success

Wednesday Sep 18, 2024

Have you ever wondered if there’s a better way to approach dementia caregiving?
In today’s episode, a heartfelt journey through the highs and lows of caregiving sheds light on some often-overlooked truths that could change the way you see this role.

Picture this: You’re in the middle of your daily routine when suddenly, you realize that your loved one is struggling more than usual.
Maybe it’s forgetting your name or asking the same question repeatedly. The small, subtle changes have crept in so slowly that it’s only now hitting you. This realization brings on a flood of emotions.

You’re not alone.

If you’re feeling like dementia caregiving is a struggle, this episode offers hope. It’s not about having all the answers but about taking small steps towards a caregiving journey that is sustainable, supported, and centered on faith.

Caregiving can indeed feel like a burden at times. But with the right tools, community, and understanding of your unique strengths, it’s possible to navigate this journey with compassion and grace.

If you’re ready to make your caregiving experience more manageable, consider finding the community that supports you and strategies that align with who you are.

Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress?
Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today!
https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/quiz

Join the Christian Dementia Caregiving Facebook Group today for more support:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1301886810018410

Monday Sep 16, 2024

171. How To Transform Any Activity Into A Meaningful Dementia Activity With Angela Fairhurst

Monday Sep 16, 2024

Do you struggle to connect with your loved one who has dementia?

Imagine visiting your mother, who is deep into her dementia journey. You bring her a toy from home, desperate to find something to bring comfort or joy.

It’s simple—a child’s bucket toy—but something amazing happens. Your mother, who has been disengaged, suddenly lights up. She’s curious. Her hands, once clenched, reach out to explore this new object.

That simple moment sparks something much bigger—an idea that will change the way we think about caring for those with dementia.

In this episode, Lizette speaks with Angela Fairhurst, the creator of Geri-Gadgets, an innovative product designed to engage and enrich the lives of individuals living with dementia.

Angela Fairhurst is a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for innovation. As the CEO and Founder of Geri-Gadgets® (https://www.geri-gadgets.com), Angela has carved out a niche in the realm of senior care with her groundbreaking patented products. Angela's expertise spans multiple domains;

She’s a seasoned television and event producer, and an Executive in Charge of Production at Fairhurst Productions, Inc, and former Executive Director of the Chambers Group, a consumer products marketing firm.
Now she's bringing her wealth of experience and creativity to the forefront of dementia care.

Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress?
Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today!
https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/quiz

Join the Christian Dementia Caregiving Facebook Group today for more support:
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.