Of all the losses that come with dementia, one of the least acknowledged is the loss of the version of yourself you were before caregiving.
We talk endlessly about how our loved one changes, but we rarely talk about how those changes ripple into our own lives.
The dreams put on pause. The friendships that quietly slipped away. The days shaped more by someone else’s needs than your own wants.
It’s a tender kind of grief, missing the person you used to be while still trying to show up with everything you have.
And yet, alongside that loss, something else has been forming. Strength you didn’t know you had. Patience you never imagined needing. Compassion that deepened only because life demanded it.
As the year winds down, it’s a meaningful moment to look inward.
What part of yourself do you miss the most right now?
And what part of yourself are you quietly proud of becoming?
Both deserve space. Both deserve acknowledgement. Let’s hold them together.
If you’ve ever struggled to help your loved one get dressed — sleeves twisted, socks too tight, sweaters that suddenly feel impossible — this week’s video is going to make things a whole lot easier. Over the years, I’ve talked with countless care professionals, EMTs, frontline workers, and family caregivers.
In this video, I pull together the simplest, most practical dressing tips I’ve learned — things like why buying socks one size bigger can prevent a meltdown… how a zip-up sweater can save their life in an emergency… and the small clothing tweaks that make mornings calmer for everyone.
These aren’t fancy tools or expensive products. They’re real-world adjustments that caregivers say make a noticeable difference.
If dressing has become one of the hardest parts of the day, this might give you a few easier paths forward.
Bathing is one of the hardest parts of dementia care, and sometimes the traditional shower or bath just isn’t happening. That’s why I love Scrubbz no-rinse sponges. They make it possible to keep your loved one clean, fresh, and comfortable without needing to move them into the bathroom or manage a full shower.
They’re soft, pre-soaped, and take just a few swipes to make a big difference. And here’s something caregivers don’t always think about: they’re great for you too. I use them myself on busy days — especially when I’m running errands right after a workout and don’t have time to shower. They’re quick, gentle on the skin, and surprisingly refreshing.
Whether you’re using them to help your loved one feel better or to give yourself a little break in your day, these are one of my favorite practical tools for reducing stress around bathing.
Right now, there is a special Careblazers only discount code on Amazon!
→ Grab your Scrubbz discount HERE.
Sending love,
Board-certified Geropsychologist
Founder, Dementia Careblazers
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