Debbie Compton, a certified caregiving consultant, Alzheimer's Association educator, speaker, and author of 9 books, shares her invaluable experience in caring for her parents and in-laws, who faced various conditions, including dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and vascular dementia.

Debbie recounts her journey, starting with her mom as the first to exhibit signs, eventually diagnosed with vascular dementia. She delves into the challenges of relocating her parents for closer care. Additionally, she compassionately tended to her father, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's, and her mother-in-law, who battled Alzheimer's. Balancing full-time work and caregiving responsibilities was arduous, ultimately leading her to decide to leave her job to provide full-time care for her parents.

Throughout her caregiving experience, Debbie found solace in her faith, allowing her to navigate the most challenging times. She also highlights the invaluable resources she has created, such as her coloring books "Color Me Calm" and "Faith Lives Here," which offer support to caregivers and individuals with dementia.

In this episode, you will learn:

1. Why It's important to know the person you're caring for - their likes, dislikes, personality, history, etc. which fully helps you provide the best care.
2. How faith and relying on scripture can help caregivers in getting through difficult times.
3. Focus on a person's abilities, not limitations. Enjoying activities like music and dancing can enhance mood and foster connection.
4. Siblings and family support matter. Assign tasks based on individual strengths.
5. Resources like Debbie's coloring books can benefit both caregivers and those with dementia by providing mental stimulation and comfort.

About Debbie:

Debbie Compton is a three-time caregiver for parents with different forms of Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Vascular Dementia. She is a Certified Caregiving Consultant, Certified Caregiver Advocate, Educator for the Alzheimer’s Assoc. speaker, and author of 9 books.

 Debbie’s first book, Caregiving: How to hold on while letting go, offers actionable steps for caregivers and questions to ask doctors, in-home caregivers, facilities, and more. It is full of humor and inspiration.

Debbie founded The Purple Vine LLC, whose mission is to empower caregivers with the tools and strategies needed to reduce stress, block burnout, and learn to laugh again. This is accomplished through workshops, speeches, weekly newsletters, blog posts, and private 1:1 Zoom meetings.

Connect with Debbie:

www.linkedin.com/in/debbiedcompton

www.facebook.com/Caregiving.Book

Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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