Learn to Navigate Support Systems: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

“An educated and confident family caregiver who knows what to do in their role is really the absolute best medicine for the care receiver.” Dr. Carolyn Clevenger

Do you know extensive research specifically focused on dementia caregivers is being conducted? Are you aware of innovative studies designed to equip family caregivers with navigation skills? Now you will, and you’ll be learning about valuable opportunities to strengthen your caregiving journey.

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we are continuously learning new ways to support our health and well-being, and that of our care receivers. We recently discovered the groundbreaking dementia caregiver research, the CANDO Study, Dr. Carolyn Clevenger, DNP, RN, GNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, FAANP, FGSA, FAAN, Professor at the Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is conducting. When most people think about dementia research, they focus on studies involving people living with dementia or pharmaceutical treatments. This crucial area of research focuses on supporting the family caregivers themselves.

Dr. Clevenger is a professor and gerontological nurse practitioner who is nationally recognized as an education leader in advanced practice nursing and geriatrics. Carolyn founded, and directs, the comprehensive dementia care model called Integrated Memory Care (IMC), which provides memory and primary care in a single integrated approach for people living with dementia and their care partners.

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/36-learn-to-navigate-support-systems-four-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Dr. Carolyn Clevenger, a nationally recognized educational leader in advanced practice nursing, geriatrics and gerontology, shares her groundbreaking work on dementia family caregiver education programs that teach new caregivers how to transition into the role and navigate various support systems.
• For more information about joining this study, visit scholarblogs.emory.edu/CAN-DO/.
• Savvy Caregiver course: Available face-to-face or online (in-person version includes support group benefits)
• “Best Programs for Caregivers” website: A collaboration between the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging and Family Care Alliance featuring only research-proven programs.
• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Additional Resources Mentioned

Takeaways

Tip 1: Understand Different Levels of Care Early

• Home-Based Care
• Community-Based Programs
• Residential Care Options

Key considerations:

• Each level has different eligibility requirements and payment structures
• Availability varies by state—some follow federal guidelines, others have state regulations
• People often wait until they desperately need memory care but try to access assisted living instead, creating unnecessary stress

Tip 2: Stay Ahead of Financial Challenges

• Protect your assets while maintaining oversight
• Understand the early warning signs
• Watch for judgment impairment issues

Tip 3: Leverage Legal Support from Elder Law Experts

• What sets elder law attorneys apart
• Specialized dementia expertise
• Long-term benefits

Tip 4: Take Evidence-Based Classes

• What makes evidence-based courses effective
• Measurable outcomes

The CAN-DO Study: Training Caregivers as Navigators

Dr. Clevenger's current research project, CAN-DO (Caregiver As Navigator Developing Skills Online), trains family caregivers to navigate four critical systems: healthcare, financial, legal, and family systems.

Course structure:

• Six-week online course following three families through different types of dementia
• Each day presents real-life scenarios with appropriate responses and preventive measures
• Videos from subject matter experts including