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

Lizette Cloete, Christian Dementia Coach
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May 17, 2025 • 24min

251. How To Biblically Reframe Dying with Dementia With Hope

When someone you love is dying with dementia, it can feel like the world is unraveling—emotionally, spiritually, and physically. You're not only saying goodbye slowly, but also wrestling with deep questions of purpose, loss, and eternity. In Episode 251, recorded just days before her mother’s memorial, Liz shares an incredibly personal message about how Christians can reframe the dying process in dementia caregiving with hope, clarity, and faith.  Using a brand-new framework called the Caregiver Belief Dyad, she walks us through the spiritual dynamics at play in caregiving relationships—and what Scripture reveals about death, dying, and dignity.   Wherever you find yourself—whether in a spiritually alive dyad, a silent struggle, or caring for someone who doesn’t believe—this journey isn’t random. It’s designed. And God is not done with you.   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  
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May 13, 2025 • 22min

250. How To Really Help A Loved One With Dementia Sleep Better Without Fixing The Wrong Problem

In the middle of the night, your loved one is walking the hallway again. They’re confused. They won’t sleep. And when you try to comfort them, they can’t understand your words—or they respond with fear, not calm. Sound familiar? In Episode 250, we return to Dr. Beth’s powerful story of caregiving—not from a distance, but from inside the home. A trained pediatrician, Beth shares what she’s learning as she cares for her mother-in-law, who has dementia, aphasia, and unpredictable emotional responses.  This isn’t theory—it’s faith, trial, error, and grace in action.   If your loved one has stopped understanding you, don’t give up. They may not remember what you say, but they’ll remember how you show up. God designed us for relationship—and that includes emotional presence, not just spoken language. 🎧 Tune in to Episode 250 to hear more of Dr. Beth’s honest, faith-filled journey—and walk away with practical tools and hope for your own caregiving story.   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  
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May 9, 2025 • 22min

249. How To View The World’s Lies About Dementia Biblically (Part 2)

In Episode 247, we uncovered five common lies that trap caregivers early in their dementia journey—about identity, dignity, and purpose. But the enemy doesn’t stop there. Once you’re deep into caregiving, the lies get sneakier. In Episode 249, we expose five more dangerous lies Christian dementia caregivers often believe—lies that lead to guilt, fear, and exhaustion—and we counter them with God’s truth. Think Differently. Live Purposefully. Care Biblically. These 10 lies (from Episodes 247 & 249) are heavy—but they’re not the end of the story. God has equipped you for this. He’s walking with you. And He’s inviting you to think and care differently. 🎧 Tune in to Episode 249 to hear how each lie is dismantled by Scripture—and how to take the next step forward with truth and grace.   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  
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May 6, 2025 • 15min

248. How One Physician Juggles Full Time Dementia Caregiving and Family (Part 1)

What happens when a trained pediatrician suddenly becomes a full-time dementia caregiver? You might think that a medical background would make things easier.  But for Dr. Beth, it was the start of a deeply emotional, confusing, and surprisingly human journey. In this episode, we hear her honest story—how her mother-in-law’s sudden decline and unexpected recovery turned their family’s world upside down. If you’ve ever felt like you were thrown into caregiving with no clear plan, this episode will resonate deeply. This episode reminds us that no matter your background, dementia caregiving will stretch you in ways nothing else can. And that’s okay. You’re not failing—you’re learning. Dr. Beth’s story is a powerful example of how faith, flexibility, and practical support can turn a chaotic season into one of growth and connection. 🎧 Tune in to Episode 248 to hear her journey, and walk away with renewed hope that even in the hard moments, you are not alone.   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  
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May 2, 2025 • 23min

247. How to Look Biblically At The Lies About Dementia The World Tells (Part 1)

What if the biggest struggles you’re facing as a caregiver aren’t just from the outside—but from the lies you’ve unknowingly believed? In Episode 247, we expose 5 common lies the world tells Christian dementia caregivers—and replace them with biblical truth that brings peace, clarity, and hope. If you’ve ever felt like your loved one is “losing themselves,” or you’re “alone in this,” this episode will realign your heart with God’s truth and remind you that caregiving is not just a burden—it’s a calling shaped by God’s sovereign design. You weren’t called to walk this road alone. You were called to walk it with Christ—and with a church that supports you. Caregiving is not just a response to decline. It’s a response to God’s call to love, serve, and reflect His character in a broken world. 🎧 Tune in to Episode 247 and break free from these lies so you can walk your caregiving journey with truth, peace, and biblical clarity.   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  
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Apr 29, 2025 • 16min

246. Should You Move a Loved One with Dementia Into Your Home? Tough Love for Caregivers

You love your parents. You want to do the right thing. But what if doing “the right thing” could cost you your peace, your marriage, and your health? In Episode 246, we walk through a raw and honest conversation with a caregiver wrestling with one of the most difficult questions Christian families face: Should I move my parents into my home? The answer might seem obvious on the surface—rooted in love, duty, or even guilt—but this episode reveals why the right choice isn’t always the easiest one.   If you’re feeling torn, remember this: Saying no to moving your loved one in doesn’t mean you don’t love them. It means you’re protecting your family, your faith, and your future. 🎧 Tune in to Episode 246 to hear this powerful coaching conversation—and learn how to make decisions based on wisdom, 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  
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Apr 25, 2025 • 23min

245. Make Better Caregiving Decisions With This Christian Dementia Framework

Have you ever wondered why the more strategies you learn, the more stressed you feel? You’ve read the books, tried the tools, and still, peace feels just out of reach. In Episode 245, we explore why true clarity in dementia caregiving doesn’t come from fixing problems—it comes from seeing the journey through God’s eyes.  This episode is a heartfelt look at one caregiver’s shift from the medical and self-focused models of care to a biblically rooted, God-honoring framework. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Caregiving is one of those good works. It’s hard, yes. But it’s also holy. You’re not walking this road by chance. God prepared it for you—and through Him, you can find clarity, peace, and strength.   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  
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Apr 22, 2025 • 18min

244. How to Connect With a Loved One With Dementia—Even When They Forget Who You Are

What do you do when your loved one with dementia looks at you… and calls you their friend instead of their sister? It’s a moment that feels like a punch in the gut. But what if how they feel with you matters more than what they call you? In Episode 244, we explore the heart of relationship-centered dementia care—focusing on emotional connection over factual memory. Through a real caregiver conversation with Helen, you’ll learn practical ways to reconnect with your loved one, even when their words and memories begin to fade. As a Christian caregiver, your goal isn’t just to be remembered—it’s to reflect Christ’s love in every interaction. Even when they can’t say your name, they can still feel His peace through you.   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  
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Apr 18, 2025 • 25min

243. How To Shift From The Medical Model To Relationship-Centered Dementia Care

Dementia caregiving often begins where the world tells us to start—with the diagnosis, the symptoms, and the stress. But what if we’ve been starting in the wrong place all along? In Episode 243, we explore how Christian caregivers can shift from the medical model of dementia care to a relationship-centered, biblically grounded approach—one that brings peace, clarity, and God-honoring purpose to a season that often feels overwhelming. When we shift from a symptom-focused approach to a relationship-centered, God-first mindset, everything changes. We don’t just survive the journey—we walk it with purpose, peace, and perspective. Let your caregiving be a reflection of God’s love, order, and truth—not the world’s confusion.   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  
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Apr 15, 2025 • 14min

242. Why Cognitive Decline Fluctuates in Dementia (and How to Support Your Loved One)

Have you ever felt confused—or even frustrated—by your loved one’s fluctuating clarity? One day, they seem mentally sharp and engaged. The next, they can’t follow a simple conversation. What’s going on? In Episode 242, we explore why cognitive decline in dementia isn’t a straight line and how you can respond with wisdom, compassion, and a biblical mindset. You’ll hear a real-life coaching conversation packed with practical insight, spiritual encouragement, and helpful tools for everyday caregiving.   If your loved one seems fine one moment and lost the next, you’re not doing anything wrong. It’s part of the dementia journey. Instead of reacting with frustration or fear, respond with observation and grace. Watch for patterns. Allow rest. Create routines. Let go of guilt. And most importantly, trust God with the moments you can’t predict. He sees you. He sees them. And He walks with you both—on the clear days and the confusing ones.   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  

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