295. How Christian Caregivers Can Stay Strong When They Feel Worn Thin — Faithfully Stewarding Self-Care

“Maybe I cannot do this at home anymore.” Mary said it out loud—five years in, faithful but worn thin. If that’s where your heart is today, Episode 295 is for you. I start with my clarifying prompt: “Six months from today, what needs to have happened for you to say your caregiving is easier—stewarding your health and relationships well?” Mary’s first brave steps: she scheduled her own doctor appointments and secured five hours of weekly respite through her local aging services.  That’s not selfish; that’s stewardship. Remember, about 30% of family caregivers die before the person they care for. Your health matters. We also tackled two hard lanes: 1) Falls that keep happening. Mary’s husband is “forgetting” the walker and reaching for a cane. That often signals the walker no longer makes sense cognitively. Try incidental cueing (“Here’s your walker, love”), and put the cane out of sight. Ask the doctor for a tune-up: orders for physical and occupational therapy. A new fall pattern = decline in function, and Medicare can cover skilled therapy. Some falls stem from judgment, not just balance—plan to prevent injury and mitigate effects. 2) Depression through a Christian lens. Many people living with dementia experience depression. Start by checking physical causes (vitamin D, medical contributors). Then use resources from biblical counselors (Mary’s assignments included Ed Welch’s “Blame It on the Brain” and a book on Depression by Dr. Halla/Hala). Medication isn’t always first, but it can sometimes help a person get over the hump. All of this sits inside our Think Different Dementia Method™, Therapeutic Truth-Telling™, and Contented Caregiver Blueprint™—relationship-centered, Scripture-anchored care. If you’re faithful but tired, come closer: the Christian DigniCare Society offers lifetime community, prayer, monthly AMAs, and a gentle on-ramp so you don’t carry this alone.   Don’t walk alone. The Christian DigniCare Society (lifetime, under $100) gives you community, coaching, prayer, and practical tools.  https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/cds   💬 What Do I Say When Dementia Makes Words Hard? 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. 📥 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. 🎤 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 🎟️ 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