Creating a Relationship Contract for the Dementia Journey with Debra Hallisey

Have you ever considered creating a “contract” with yourself as a caregiver—one that clearly defines what you can and cannot do? Debra Hallisey, caregiver advocate and author of A Relationship Contract for Dementia Caregivers, joins us to share her insights on navigating caregiving dynamics, especially for those caring for a loved one with dementia. In this heartfelt conversation, Debra offers practical tools and exercises to help caregivers embrace the reality of dementia while maintaining their emotional well-being. From her caregiving journey to her work supporting families, Debra provides a profoundly compassionate perspective on the challenges and rewards of creating a safe and loving environment for individuals with dementia. Whether you’re a caregiver or supporting someone who is, this episode is a valuable resource filled with actionable strategies and powerful insights to help you navigate the complexities of dementia care. Don’t miss it! In addition to learning more about relationship contracts, you’ll learn: The importance of NOT keeping dementia diagnoses secretManaging grief throughout the caregiving journeyTransitioning from home care to assisted livingCultural perspectives on caregiving Debra also offers the following advice for caregivers: Remember your person is “still in there” despite changesSet clear boundaries using “I” statementsBe specific when asking others for helpGive yourself grace throughout the journey Quote: “Grief runs through caregiving like a river” - Debra Hallisey After the Podcast: Read Debra's AlzAuthors blog post Buy the book, A Relationship Contract for Dementia Caregivers, by Debra Hallisey, Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales. Follow Debra Website Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Resources mentioned in this episode are: Documentary: Wine, Women and Dementia by Kitty NortonGoodwin Living (Virginia) - Model program for caregiver education and support About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network Find us on The World Podcast Network and babyboomer.org Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know We’ve got merch! Shop our Store