If I Get Dementia: Empowering You as a Caregiver for the Journey
What I Want You to Know
Why This and Why Now
Welcome to "If I Get Dementia: Empowering You as a Caregiver for the Journey" – a newsletter born from both personal and professional experience and profound necessity. Concepts and medical jargon are made clear with medical expertise and human translation.
Because you deserve health information you can understand and use.
I am an RN with more than 32 years of working with patients and families traveling this road. I also have personal experience with caring for loved ones with dementia.
The statistics are staggering: millions of families worldwide are navigating the complexities of dementia care, often with limited guidance, overwhelming information, and insufficient support. But behind each statistic is a real person – someone's parent, partner, sibling, or friend – and alongside them, a caregiver whose life has transformed overnight.
This newsletter exists because right now, more than ever, caregivers need:
- Practical, actionable strategies that work in real-world situations
- A sense of community to combat the isolation that often accompanies caregiving
- Evidence-based information distilled into clear, accessible guidance
- Recognition of their emotional journey alongside practical advice
- A voice that speaks from both lived experience and professional insight
The Community We're Building
The foundation of a community where:
Knowledge is shared, not hoarded. Whether you're a veteran caregiver with years of experience or newly beginning this journey, your insights matter. This is a space where wisdom flows in all directions.
Reality is acknowledged, not sugar-coated. We'll talk honestly about the challenges, the heartbreaks, and the moments of confusion – but always with an eye toward solutions and hope.
The whole person is seen. Both the person with dementia and you, the caregiver, have needs, dreams, and identities beyond this diagnosis. We honor the complexity of both journeys.
Practical meets emotional. You'll find concrete tools and techniques alongside space to process the profound emotional experience of caring for someone with dementia.
Connection replaces isolation. No one should walk this path alone. Through shared stories, community discussions, and mutual support, we become stronger together.
I'm creating this newsletter because I believe empowered caregivers transform the quality of life for those they care for. By building this community we're creating a movement that recognizes and elevates the critical role caregivers play.
Whether you're caring for someone now, preparing for what may come, or supporting someone who is a caregiver, you belong here. Let's walk this journey together.
What to Expect from Your Subscription
For All Subscribers:
Weekly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox
Core educational content about dementia care best practices
Access to our supportive community
A safe space to share, learn, and be understood
My personal responses when you need specific guidance
Upgrade to a Paid Subscription:
A Free copy of “A Caregiver’s Guide to Cognitive Impairment”
Downloadable cheat sheets and other practical tools
Access to my searchable archive of specialized content
Q&A where I answer your most pressing questions
Recommended books, products, and resources for caregivers
Beyond the Basics: What We'll Explore Together When You Upgrade
Together, we'll dive deep into the aspects of caregiving that keep you up at night and the questions you might be afraid to ask elsewhere.
Each week I will be examining topics like:
The emotions no one talks about - from caregiver grief to the complicated feelings that arise when roles reverse
Real-world communication techniques for when traditional approaches no longer work
The sanctuary of self-care - finding moments for yourself without the guilt
Navigating family dynamics when not everyone sees the situation the same way
Creating moments of joy and connection, even in advanced stages
Practical home adjustments that make daily life safer and more manageable
Handling difficult behaviors with compassion and understanding
Preparing for transitions - whether to more care or end-of-life discussions
My Promise to You
I promise these won't be clinical overviews or theoretical approaches. Instead, I'll share what works, drawn from both professional expertise and the trenches of real caregiving experience. Because sometimes, knowing you're not alone in your challenges is just as important as learning how to address them.
I promise to deliver content that respects your time while providing genuine value. Each piece will blend compassionate, emotional support with practical advice you can implement immediately. You're not just joining a newsletter – you're becoming part of a community that truly understands what you're going through.