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

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?

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🤝 You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

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🧭 Still Feeling Stuck?

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