July 01, 2025

264. How to Be a Dementia Caregiver When You Don’t Feel Ready (or Qualified)

22 minutes

Beth is a pastor’s wife who never planned to be a dementia caregiver. Her father died in January; her 75-year-old mother could no longer live alone. In today’s episode, Beth admits:

“I’ve moved into my bedroom and she’s moved into the house.”

Shadowing, constant haggling, endless “Where’s my bank card?”—Beth is overwhelmed. So I invite her to pause and answer the question I ask every guest:

“Let’s imagine it’s six months from today and your caregiving journey feels easier. What does easier actually look like for you?”

Beth answers, “Having found a way to keep her contented in life… and a little more quiet time.”

That statement becomes her first purposeful decision—an act of stewardship, not survival.

Three Anchors from this episode:

1) Commit on purpose. Caregiving starts with saying yes to God’s providence, not white-knuckling the chaos.

2) Use Therapeutic Truth-Telling™. I coach Beth to respond cheerfully—even to the 17th repeat—because validation lowers Mom’s anxiety and builds security.

3) Reframe shadowing. We picture toddlers’ fingers under the bathroom door: Mom’s constant presence isn’t disrespect; it’s her seeking safety.

Beth’s next faithful step? Practice the “That’s interesting—tell me more” script from the Contented Caregiver Blueprint™ and remember: brain changes make her mom child-like, not childish.

If you feel unqualified, Episode 264 proves that caregiving clarity starts with a single decision rooted in God’s steady design.

🎧 Listen now and register for our free July 12 workshop at thinkdifferentdementia.com/WSL

💬 Struggling for words with a loved one who has dementia?

✝️ Speak calm, not chaos.

Grab “What Do I Say?”—a free Christian guide with:

✅ 10 ready-to-use scripts

✅ Scripture support

✅ Therapeutic Truth-Telling™ tips

📥 Download: 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.

🗓️ Brought to you every month!

🎤 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

✅ Practical tools

✅ Faith-informed strategies

✅ Same-day results

🎟️ 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.

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By Lizette Cloete, Christian Dementia Coach

4.9

7777 ratings