Dementia Caregiver Support for Christians: Tips for Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregivers to Manage Stress, Prevent Burnout & Handle Difficult Behaviors

As a Christian caregiver, you may feel torn between honoring your aging parent and taking care of yourself. The guilt runs deep—especially when it comes to spending your parent’s money on paid care. In Episode 238, we hear from Jamila, an only child caring for her 96-year-old mother. Her question is one many caregivers silently carry: “Is it okay to use my mom’s money to hire help so I can take a break?” Jamila left the conversation with clarity and peace. Not because her circumstances changed overnight, but because she realized she didn’t have to feel guilty anymore. Christian caregiver, hear this: 👉 You are not dishonoring your parent by needing help. 👉 You are not selfish for using their resources to care for them well. 👉 You are not failing—you are faithfully stewarding what God has placed in your hands.   Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress? Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today! https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/dca   Join our monthly free workshop "How To Immediately Reduce Dementia Caregiver Overwhelm and Stress In 3 Easy Steps" https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/wsl   Join the FREE Dementia Caregiver Support Facebook Group today for more support:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/dementiacaregiversupportforchristians   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://dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/ask   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-caregiver-support-for-christians-conversations/id1716187550  

Have you ever heard your loved one say, “This isn’t my home,” or “I want to go home”—even while they’re sitting in the house they’ve lived in for years? If so, you know how painful, confusing, and even heartbreaking that moment can be. In Episode 237, we meet Martina, a spousal caregiver in the Philippines, who asks a question many Christian caregivers have wrestled with: Is it okay to lie to a loved one with dementia when they’re confused about home? You don’t have to choose between honesty and compassion. As a Christian caregiver, you’re called to speak truth—but in a way that reflects the love of Christ. When your loved one says, “I want to go home,” pause. Ask questions. Be gentle. Let them guide the moment—and meet them where they are with grace, not guilt.   Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress? Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today! https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/dca   Join our monthly free workshop "How To Immediately Reduce Dementia Caregiver Overwhelm and Stress In 3 Easy Steps" https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/wsl   Join the FREE Dementia Caregiver Support Facebook Group today for more support:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/dementiacaregiversupportforchristians   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://dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/ask   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-caregiver-support-for-christians-conversations/id1716187550  

Is moving your aging parent into your home the best way to care for them—or could it cost you your health and marriage? In Episode 236, we walk alongside a caregiver caught in one of the most emotional crossroads many Christians face: the desire to honor their parents while also protecting their marriage and family. It’s a raw, real coaching conversation filled with wisdom, faith, and practical guidance.   Caring for your parents is an act of love—but it doesn’t mean sacrificing your marriage, your peace, or your health. Sometimes, the most loving choice is the hardest one: saying no to what they want so you can say yes to what’s truly best. Let go of guilt. Trust that God sees your heart. And remember—you’re honoring your parents by ensuring they’re cared for, even if it doesn’t look the way you imagined.   Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress? Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today! https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/dca   Join our monthly free workshop "How To Immediately Reduce Dementia Caregiver Overwhelm and Stress In 3 Easy Steps" https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/wsl   Join the FREE Dementia Caregiver Support Facebook Group today for more support:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/dementiacaregiversupportforchristians   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://dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/ask   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-caregiver-support-for-christians-conversations/id1716187550  

Can the way you speak to your loved one make dementia caregiving harder or easier? Absolutely. Many caregivers believe their role is to keep their spouse happy at all costs—but what if that very mindset is making things more stressful?  In Episode 235, we explore a real-life coaching session with Thomas, a husband caring for his wife of nearly 50 years, and uncover the surprising connection between communication, mood, and peace at home. Dementia caregiving isn’t about fixing everything—it’s about adjusting how you respond. The words you choose, your tone, and your emotions shape the way your loved one feels and reacts. By focusing on emotional connection over logic, breaking tasks into simple steps, and managing your own stress, you can create a calmer, more peaceful environment for both of you. You’re not alone in this journey. With faith, patience, and small communication shifts, you can bring more ease into your 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 our monthly free workshop "How To Immediately Reduce Dementia Caregiver Overwhelm and Stress In 3 Easy Steps" https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/wsl   Join the FREE Dementia Caregiver Support Facebook Group today for more support:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/dementiacaregiversupportforchristians   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://dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/ask   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-caregiver-support-for-christians-conversations/id1716187550  

Are you waiting for a definitive diagnosis before making a plan for your loved one’s care? Many caregivers feel stuck, holding off on decisions until they “know for sure” what’s happening.  But the reality is, waiting can mean missing valuable time to take proactive steps. In Episode 234, we explore a real-life coaching session with Jodi, a caregiver for her husband recently diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Together, we unpack why early action—even before a crisis—makes all the difference. You don’t need to wait for a crisis or a definitive diagnosis to start making positive changes. Small, intentional steps today—from supporting brain health to creating a structured routine—can make a big difference in your loved one’s well-being. Uncertainty is part of the journey, but God equips us with wisdom, strength, and faith to act now. Trust in His guidance, take proactive steps, and know that you are not alone in this process.   Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress? Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today! https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/quiz   Join our monthly free workshop "How To Immediately Reduce Dementia Caregiver Overwhelm and Stress In 3 Easy Steps" https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/wsl   Join the FREE Dementia Caregiver Support Facebook Group today for more support:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/dementiacaregiversupportforchristians   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://dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/ask   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-caregiver-support-for-christians-conversations/id1716187550  

When a parent starts showing signs of dementia, many families assume that someone else will step up to take care of them.  But what happens when no one does? We walk through a real-life coaching session with Jodi, a long-distance caregiver facing the reality of her mother’s cognitive decline. Her biggest challenge?  Figuring out who will take on the responsibility—and how to have that tough conversation. Caregiving shouldn’t fall on one person by default. Waiting too long to discuss roles and responsibilities can lead to stress, conflict, and burnout. The best way to support your loved one—and each other—is to plan ahead, communicate openly, and work as a team. Even if you live far away, you can still help. Every contribution matters. Start the conversation today. Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress? Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today! https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/quiz Join our monthly free workshop "How To Immediately Reduce Dementia Caregiver Overwhelm and Stress In 3 Easy Steps" https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/wsl Join the FREE Dementia Caregiver Support Facebook Group today for more support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dementiacaregiversupportforchristians 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://dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/ask 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-caregiver-support-for-christians-conversations/id1716187550  

One of the hardest parts of dementia caregiving is knowing when to step in—especially when it comes to medication management. Your loved one may want to stay independent, but as mistakes happen, safety must come first. We dive into a real-life coaching session where Shauna, a dementia caregiver, faces the difficult transition of taking over her mother’s medication management. Taking over medication management is a tough transition, but it’s a necessary step to keep your loved one safe. Approach it with patience, empathy, and a plan.  By involving them in small ways and focusing on their well-being, you can make this change feel supportive rather than restrictive. You’re not just managing pills—you’re providing peace of mind for both of you.   Read the blog: https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/independent-medication-management/   Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress? Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today! https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/quiz   Join our monthly free workshop "How To Immediately Reduce Dementia Caregiver Overwhelm and Stress In 3 Easy Steps" https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/wsl   Join the FREE Dementia Caregiver Support Facebook Group today for more support:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/dementiacaregiversupportforchristians   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://dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/ask   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-caregiver-support-for-christians-conversations/id1716187550  

Do you ever feel like your brain is just done?  The endless choices in caregiving—what to cook, how to respond, when to step in—can leave you mentally drained. This exhaustion is called decision fatigue, and it’s one of the biggest burdens of dementia caregiving. We explore why decision fatigue happens, how it affects caregivers, and the biblical and practical solutions to reduce it. God has provided wisdom, rest, and community to support you—you don’t have to do it all alone. Decision fatigue is real, but it doesn’t have to define your caregiving journey. By creating routines, limiting choices, seeking support, and trusting God’s plan, you can lighten the mental load and find peace in caregiving.   Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress? Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today! https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/quiz   Join our monthly free workshop "How To Immediately Reduce Dementia Caregiver Overwhelm and Stress In 3 Easy Steps" https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/wsl   Join the FREE Dementia Caregiver Support Facebook Group today for more support:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/dementiacaregiversupportforchristians   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://dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/ask   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-caregiver-support-for-christians-conversations/id1716187550   Read the blog: https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/decision-fatigue/    

When caring for a loved one with dementia, our instinct is often to correct, guide, or keep them on track. But what if the best way to connect wasn’t about following the rules—but breaking them? In Episode 230, we explore how letting go of structure and embracing playfulness can create meaningful moments of joy, connection, and peace in dementia caregiving.   Dementia caregiving isn’t about following the rules—it’s about creating meaningful connections. When you let go of expectations and focus on joy, laughter, and presence, caregiving becomes less stressful and more fulfilling. Forget the rules, embrace the moment, and cherish the time you have with your loved one. Those small moments of joy will become the memories you hold onto forever.   Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress? Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today! https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/quiz   Join our monthly free workshop "How To Immediately Reduce Dementia Caregiver Overwhelm and Stress In 3 Easy Steps" https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/wsl   Join the FREE Dementia Caregiver Support Facebook Group today for more support:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/dementiacaregiversupportforchristians   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://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/ask   Read the blog: https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/reframe-dementia-caregiving/ 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-caregiver-support-for-christians-conversations/id1716187550  

As a dementia caregiver, you’re constantly making decisions.  Should you spend more time with your loved one, invest in outside help, or find ways to conserve your energy? Every choice has trade-offs, and prioritizing the wrong thing can make your journey harder. Lizette explores the reality of these trade-offs and how to decide what’s best for your situation.   Caregiving comes with tough choices, and there’s no perfect way to balance time, money, and effort. Some days, you’ll feel overwhelmed. Other days, you’ll wish you could do more. That’s okay. If today feels heavy, take a deep breath and ask: What’s one small change I can make to ease my load? Start there.   Ever Wonder How To Know What Is Causing Your Caregiver Stress? Take Our FREE Caregiver Stress Assessment Today! https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/quiz   Join our monthly free workshop "How To Immediately Reduce Dementia Caregiver Overwhelm and Stress In 3 Easy Steps" https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/wsl   Join the FREE Dementia Caregiver Support Facebook Group today for more support:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/dementiacaregiversupportforchristians   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://dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/ask   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-caregiver-support-for-christians-conversations/id1716187550