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

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   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  

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   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  

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   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  

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   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  

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   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  

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   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  

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   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    

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   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  

Have you ever thought about the many roles you've adapted to throughout life? Caring for someone with dementia is one of those unexpected transitions that can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.  Let’s explore how embracing this new role can be an opportunity for personal growth and connection.   It’s easy to feel isolated as a dementia caregiver, but remember, you’re not alone. There are communities of caregivers who are walking similar paths. Seeking out support from others who understand your struggles can make the journey more manageable.  Joining a meetup or support group, where you can share your experiences and ask questions, can provide the strength and encouragement you need. Embracing the role of a dementia caregiver is not without its challenges, but with the right mindset, understanding your strengths, and leaning on a supportive community, you can find purpose and peace in this vital role. 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  

Have you ever wondered how to recover after your dementia caregiving journey ends? Whether you’re still caring for a loved one or have finished that chapter, the path to emotional and mental recovery can feel unclear. Imagine climbing a mountain, intensely focused on reaching the summit. For caregivers, the summit is the care of their loved one. But what happens after you reach the top?  The descent—recovery—is often overlooked. We seldom talk about what happens after caregiving ends, but it's just as important.   As you walk this new phase, know that you are not alone. The lessons from your caregiving days can help shape the next chapter of your life. Whether you’re still caring for a loved one or are transitioning out of that role, take time to reflect, learn, and heal. And most importantly, be kind to yourself—you've already climbed the mountain. Now, it’s time to descend with grace, carrying the wisdom you’ve gained along the way. 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