When a parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia and the other parent begins their caregiving journey, the dynamic between the caregiving parent and child shifts dramatically. Through our experiences and conversations with families navigating this transition, we've developed six essential tips to help you support your parent as they take on the role of primary caregiver.

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Full Show Notes

Takeaways

Tip 1: Insert Yourself into the Journey

The first step is making your presence and support known while respecting your parent’s role as primary caregiver.

Key points:

• Increase visit frequency or phone calls
• Position yourself to observe daily dynamics
• Avoid judgment of decisions
• Listen more than advise
• Show support without taking over

Tip 2: Monitor Caregiver Health

Ensuring your caregiving parent maintains their own health is crucial for sustainable care.

Key points:

• Ask specific questions that can’t be answered with “I’m fine”
• Monitor medical appointments
• Discuss challenges they’re facing
• Watch for signs of stress or exhaustion
• Encourage preventive health care

Tip 3: Provide Emotional Support

Help your parent maintain connections and avoid isolation while caregiving.

Key points:

• Listen actively to what’s said and unsaid
• Validate feelings before offering solutions
• Maintain normal conversations beyond caregiving
• Encourage outside activities and interests
• Help research support resources

Tip 4: Share the Load

Even from a distance, there are many ways to help manage caregiving responsibilities.

Key points:

• Handle digital tasks remotely
• Coordinate with local friends and family
• Create support networks
• Help with scheduling and planning

Tip 5: Participate in Care Details

Get involved in both practical and legal aspects of care management.

Key points:

• Obtain necessary legal documents early
• Secure medical power of attorney
• Address privacy laws and documentation
• Arrange financial access if needed
• Support decision-making processes

Tip 6: Support Through Grief

Grief occurs throughout the journey, not just at its end.

Key points:

• Acknowledge “drip grief” throughout the journey
• Help maintain connections during caregiving
• Support through the final transition
• Assist with post-care legal matters
• Be sure to process your own grief

Special Considerations

When creating support systems:

• Develop emergency plans early
• Create shared care plans
• Document important information
• Keep contact lists updated
• Maintain flexibility in arrangements

About Our Guest Expert

This episode featured Andrew Phipps from Empathy Unbound, who shared his personal experience supporting his father as he cared for Andrew’s mother with dementia. Andrew created Empathy Unbound to promote the idea that empathy is one of our greatest superpowers — one that we often don’t recognize or use enough.

As Andrew explains, “The ability to take on the experience or position of another to help understand them is invaluable. Putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes helps us understand their situation in a way we couldn’t otherwise.” You can find the Empathy Unbound podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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