Unexpected Seasons| dementia caregiver, parent with dementia, dementia support
Are you over-50 and have a parent with dementia? Do you often wonder how you landed in this season of life? Are you worried that your retirement dreams have gotten lost in your caregiving role? Is your health suffering because you ALWAYS put yourself last? Do you feel defeated and wonder who you have become? Do you resent your parent for something that neither of you can control? I GET YOU! In my early 50’s, my husband and I became empty nesters looking forward to a season of life where we could hike, watch sunsets, camp, and reignite our relationship. 6 months later, I became a part-time caregiver to my mother who has FTD dementia while still teaching high-school full time. I started to lose my dreams and my identity as my exhaustion rose and my energy disappeared. But I am a driven person with faith and vision who refuses to let this season of life get the best of me! I have learned more about dementia to help me cope and understand what is happening with my mother. I have developed mindset practices so that I can remain excited about my own dreams without feeling guilty and selfish. I have created systems that help me continue to move the needle on my personal goals, even when I am pulled in 100 different directions and have very broken segments of time. And I want to share my successes, and my failures, with you! So, find a quiet corner, take a few deep calming breaths, and join me as I share how I have maintained peace in the midst of a very unexpected season of life as the daughter of a parent with dementia.
Listen on:
Episodes
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Some days, you wonder how you are going to make it through the day! Caregiver stress is REAL and REAL HARD! This episode is going to show you 5 ways (plus a bonus) to reduce stress in the moment, in 5 minutes or less. These strategies are meant to give you a quick win so that you can continue helping your loved one with peace in your heart.
*Bonus*
Here are a few of the verses (or partial verses) that are special to me, especially when things get super hard.
Be still and know that I am God!... Psalm 46:10 (NLT)
...Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning Psalm 30:5
...pray without ceasing... I Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)
She is energetic and strong, a hard worker...She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. Proverbs 31: 17 & 20 (NLT)
Don't let your hearts be troubled... John 14:1
Please email me at mel@themelcogar.com with questions, comments, or topics that you would like to hear about in future episodes.
And please leave me a written review on iTunes. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners!
Keep the faith, and keep those dreams alive!
Mel
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
How do you know if someone you love has FTD dementia? Early warning signs can often be explained away or ignored. This episode will help you recognize early warning signs of FTD dementia and why it's important to to document the signs.
Please email me at mel@themelcogar.com with questions, comments, or topics that you would like to hear about in future episodes.
And please leave me a written review on iTunes. 5 star reviews help my podcast reach more listeners!
Keep the faith, and keep those dreams alive!
Mel
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
In this initial episode, I will share a glimpse into my story as the daughter of a mother with FTD dementia and how the podcast came to life.
If you would like to hear a specific topic, please email me at mel@themelcogar.com.
Also, please leave me a review on iTunes. 5 star written reviews help boost visibility for others to find this podcast!
Keep the faith, and keep those dreams alive!
Mel
Monday Apr 29, 2024