310. How Christian Caregivers Can Make Wise Decisions When a Loved One with Dementia Refuses Help — Moving Forward Without a Diagnosis

What do you do when your loved one with dementia insists, “I’m fine,” while everything in you knows something is deeply wrong? In today’s episode, we walk alongside Jamie, a spouse caregiver facing the painful reality of caring for her husband as he refuses medical help, stops eating, and shows clear signs of cognitive decline.

This conversation offers practical tools, biblical clarity, and emotional grounding for Christian caregivers who feel stuck between what they’re seeing and what their loved one refuses to acknowledge. If you’re navigating frontotemporal dementia (FTD), apathy, anosognosia, or the overlap between dementia and depression, this episode will help you find your next faithful step.

Episode Overview & Key Insights

In this episode, you will learn:

Why your loved one may deny anything is wrong (anosognosia)

A powerful explanation of why reasoning and convincing create more conflict—and how understanding brain changes can bring clarity and peace.

How to make steady decisions even without a firm dementia diagnosis

Why a diagnosis may not change what you need to do next—and how to anchor your caregiving in wise stewardship.

The hidden connection between dementia and depression

How depression can mimic or worsen dementia symptoms, and how caregivers can advocate for treatment even when a loved one refuses office visits.

Practical strategies for supporting hydration and eating

Gentle, conflict-reducing ways to encourage nourishment when apathy takes over.

One simple action step caregivers can take today

A clear, realistic step to reduce pressure and bring direction to your next decision.

Key Takeaways for Christian Caregivers

1. You are not imagining the decline—your observations matter.

You don’t need a confirmed diagnosis before you make wise, protective decisions.

2. Anosognosia is not stubbornness.

Your loved one cannot see the decline, which means you must steward the decisions with clarity.

3. Depression may be playing a role.

Treatment can sometimes reduce apathy, refusal, and emotional withdrawal.

4. You can advocate without forcing confrontation.

Messaging your loved one’s doctor or using telehealth may open doors when in-person visits fail.

5. You do not have to walk this alone.

Community and biblical grounding bring order where caregiving feels chaotic.

Don’t walk alone. The Christian DigniCare Society (lifetime, under $100) gives you community, coaching, prayer, and practical tools.
https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/join

💬 What Do I Say When Dementia Makes Words Hard?
Get “What Do I Say? How to Connect with Your Loved One with Dementia” — a free guide for Christian caregivers navigating confusion, repetition, and emotional moments.
📥 Download the guide now: https://www.dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/script

🤝 You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Join other Christian caregivers who are walking this road too — and learning how to care with compassion, clarity, and faith.
👥 Join the free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dementiacaregiversupportforchristians

🗣️ Ask Your Question Live — and Be Heard
Bring your real-life caregiving questions to Ask the Dementia Coach — our free monthly Q&A session. You’ll get support, clarity, and maybe even be featured on the podcast.
🎤 Register here: https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/ask

🎓 Want to Reduce Overwhelm Right Now?
Join our free workshop:
How to Immediately Reduce Dementia Caregiver Overwhelm and Stress — in 3 Simple Steps
🎟️ Reserve your seat: https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/wsl

🧭 Still Feeling Stuck?
If you’re wondering what’s underneath your stress, the Caregiver Stress Assessment can help clarify what’s really weighing you down — so you can take your next step with peace.
📊 Take the free assessment: https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/dca

❤️ Enjoy This Podcast?
Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify — it helps other Christian caregivers find encouragement and real help.
🎧 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Read the Blog: https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/dementia-caregiver-support-when-loved-one-refuses-help/