August 05, 2025

274. When You’re the Only One — How to Avoid Exhaustion in Dementia Caregiving

22 minutes

Lisa’s groceries were in the cart when her real burden tumbled out:

“I’m doing everything, and I don’t feel gentle anymore.”

Episode 274 captures that live coaching moment and the three biblical strategies Lizette used to turn Lisa’s exhaustion into a game plan.

1. Begin with Clarity, Not Guilt

Lizette opened with her signature question:

“Let’s say it’s six months from today and things are easier in your caregiving journey. What would that look like for you?”

Lisa’s answer—peace of mind and time with her husband—set the target for every next step.

2. Diagnose the Diagnosis

Parkinsonism? Lewy body? Stroke aftermath? Confusion over labels fuels worry. Lizette urged Lisa to press the neurologist for exact answers:

• Is it idiopathic Parkinson’s disease or a Parkinson-like syndrome?

• Why prescribe Carbidopa-Levodopa if the diagnosis is unclear?

Clear data = clear decisions.

3. Build a Micro-Help List

Exhaustion thrives in isolation. Lizette walked Lisa through the Therapeutic Truth-Telling™ approach: create a wallet-sized list of tangible requests—meals once a week, lawn care, two hours of companionship for Mom—so when church friends ask, “How can we help?” Lisa can hand them a mission instead of a polite shrug.

Bonus: Sleep Study Insights

Poor BiPAP compliance was wrecking Mom’s cognition. Lizette suggested a fresh sleep consult and alternate mask styles—reminding Lisa that medical stewardship is part of the Think Different Dementia Method™.

Next Right Step

Feeling like Lisa? Save your seat for the free online workshop “The Three Unusual Mistakes That Keep Christian Dementia Caregivers Overwhelmed” on August 9 at 12 p.m. ET. Register at thinkdifferentdementia.com/WSL and start moving from isolated to equipped.

💬 What Do I Say When Dementia Makes Words Hard?

✝️ Speak Calm, Not Just Words

Get “What Do I Say? How to Connect with Your Loved One with Dementia” — a free guide for Christian caregivers navigating confusion, repetition, and emotional moments.

✅ 10 ready-to-use scripts

✅ Rooted in Scripture

✅ Built on the Therapeutic Truth-Telling™ model

📥 Download the guide now: 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.

🎧 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

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By Lizette Cloete, Christian Dementia Coach

4.9

7777 ratings