October 31, 2025

299. Talking to Your Brother About Mom’s Dementia — How to Share Concerns Without Causing Conflict

20 minutes

“Have you ever kept quiet—not because you don’t care, but because you’re afraid of conflict?” That’s where Anita is with her brother, the primary caregiver for their mom. She sees the strain—his health sliding, the house slipping—and fears saying the hard thing will make it worse. If that’s you, Episode 299 is a gentle roadmap.

I begin, as always, with the clarifying prompt I use in every session:

“If in six months from today, what needs to have happened for you to say, by God’s grace, I am stewarding my caregiving, my health, and my relationships well… What would make it easier for you?” Anita’s answer: find the courage to talk to her brother.

1) Name what’s really in the way.

Often the blocker is fear of the outcome—and we procrastinate when the outcome feels uncertain. Try a quick “worst-case” check. If he resists, what then? You can still frame help around shared goals without forcing change.

2) Use the 4D Method (Do • Delay • Delegate • Delete).

Some things only the decision-maker can Do. Other tasks you can Delay (they’re not going anywhere). Many can be Delegated (cleaner, handyman). A few, for this season, you can Delete entirely—no guilt. This frees time and lowers pressure on the primary caregiver.

3) Reframe the conversation to protect the relationship.

Lead with love and a shared aim: “I’m worried about you, and I want Mom to stay at home as long as possible. If you and I burn out, that won’t be possible. How can we build a little more help?” This is Therapeutic Truth-Telling™—truth plus compassion.

4) Build a support system.

Longitudinal support changes everything. Practice scripts, share the load, and learn alongside others in a faith-anchored community. The caregivers who benefit most join before crisis hits.

This approach sits inside the Think Different Dementia Method™ and the Contented Caregiver Blueprint™—caregiving clarity anchored in Scripture, with practical steps you can use this week.

Don’t walk alone. The Christian DigniCare Society (lifetime, under $100) gives you community, coaching, prayer, and practical tools.

https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/cds

💬 What Do I Say When Dementia Makes Words Hard?

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.

📥 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.

🎤 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

🎟️ 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