Dementia Caregivers Community

Thank you…for instilling Hope. 

Take a few moments and join us as we have a wonderful conversation with Sallie Gentry, LCSW.  During her tenure as a licensed clinical social worker, Sallie has worked with a wide variety of populations; however, her passion has always been supporting caregivers. For the last decade she has been providing counseling, guidance, and education for those who care for someone with a neurological disorder (dementia, MS, ALS, stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, etc). 

Sallie offers counseling services in Knoxville and telehealth for anyone residing in the State of Tennessee.  Feel free to reach out to Sallie directly by calling 865.213.2770 or [email protected]. 

Kent and His Mother Phyllis had a life-long, special bond.  Join us as Kent shares the avenue he chose to chronicle and honor his Mother’s LIFE, not focusing on the disease but the richness of her personhood.   

You can find Kent's videos here.

Many caregivers ultimately make the decision to move their loved one into another environment, outside of the home.  This transition comes with many feelings and can lead to a sense of loss, guilt, and grief.  Join as we delve in to some tips we hope you can use to make the journey a little less painful.   

If you would like to have a conversation, please feel free to reach out to Alzheimer’s Tennessee 888.326.9888.  You are not alone!

This letter is written by a loving musician and son who cared for his Mother living with Alzheimer’s.  Charlie and his family experienced a roller coaster of emotions while on their caregiving journey.  These deep thoughts eventually led to a song being recorded to release some of their emotions.  His message is one of encouragement and comfort.  Reach out for help, you are not alone!

To see Charlie perform his song go to alzTennessee.org/Podcast. 

Join Marketta and Tracey as they discuss some of the major dementia subtypes.  We hope having a better understanding of symptoms and behavioral expressions exhibited by your loved one can provide talking points as you seek accurate diagnosis, treatment options, and the best way to approach caregiving, including communication with your loved one and others.

This episode reflects on processing the ambiguity, gains and losses, and stresses that accompany caregiving. Marketta shares an important lesson she learned caring for two loved ones living with dementia: Some things change and some things stay the same, and you might have no control over either.  

Join us  for an educational and inspirational conversation with Neal Bowes, Certified Senior Advisor and Local Senior Living Specialist with Oasis Senior Advisors.  

Neal and Tracey will be discuss all things assisted living and memory care including reasons to consider senior living, when is the right time, as well as barriers a family may face when making the decision.  These experts take on issues like finances, feelings of guilt and the common promise to "not put me in a home."

You can also reach out to Neal directly by calling 423.896.2747, [email protected] or www.oasissenioradvisors.com.

And as always, reach out to Alzheimer’s Tennessee after listening, if you have follow up questions, concerns, or would like more information. 

In Part 1, Sandra shared how she and her husband John walked "The Lewy Road" after his diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia and Atypical Parkinsonism in 2018. If part 2, Sandra has advice for care partners on a similar path, including the importance of giving yourself the same grace you give your loved one.  Sandra writes a blog, "Lewy, Dewey, and Me" with thoughts on caring for someone with Lewy Body dementia. You can find her blog here.

Sandra and John built a beautiful life together.  Lewy Body dementia tried to derail that after John was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and Atypical Parkinsonism in January, 2018. They walked the Lewy Road together.  According to Sandra, their journey was messy, frustrating, sweet, tender, heartbreaking, funny; all the things that life is.

Sandra shares thoughts she had while on her active care partner journey and in the hopes it would be a help to those who are also caring for a loved one with LBD. Empathy is powerful!

Sandra writes a blog, "Lewy, Dewey, and Me" with thoughts on living with Lewy Body dementia. You can find her blog here.