289. How To Change Caregiver Burden To Christian Stewardship In Dementia

“Why is everything spinning when there’s still no diagnosis?” In Episode 288, we walked with Fran through locked doors, false accusations, ER ping-pong—and the ache of holding Power of Attorney that seems powerless without clarity.

Lizette began with the focusing prompt she uses in every session: “In six months from today, what would need to happen for you to say your caregiving journey is easier—keeping your health and your relationships in mind?” Fran’s answer was simple and brave: clarity for Mom and calm for me.

Here’s where they landed:

1) Capacity vs. Competency Adults are allowed to make unsafe choices until someone documents impaired capacity. Competency is a legal status set by a court. That’s why APS sometimes can’t act and why many families only gain traction after a hospital evaluation—or by pursuing guardianship. You’re not failing; you’re navigating the rules.

2) Name what you can (and can’t) control You can ensure food, meds, bills, and safe transport. You cannot force cooperation without legal authority. That isn’t a moral failure—it’s accepting reality so you can act wisely. God is not a God of confusion; order begins with honest boundaries.

3) Document patterns Write down delusions, unsafe choices, ER visits, elopement attempts. Patterns open doors for assessment and guide next steps. This is Therapeutic Truth-Telling™ applied: we face the truth kindly so we can steward well.

4) One act of grace—for you This is a dimmer-switch season, not a light-switch fix. Choose one self-kindness today (a walk, a psalm, a call to a trusted friend). The Think Different Dementia Method™ and the Contented Caregiver Blueprint™ exist so you don’t white-knuckle alone.

If this is your story, come closer. There’s a calm, biblical path forward—step by step, with community and prayer.

 

💬 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