How to Prepare Before, During, and After Dementia Care

In this episode Jerry welcomes Tracy Cram Perkins, author of Dementia Home Care: How to Prepare Before, During, and After. Tracy describes what it was like to be thrust into the role of caregiver—first for one loved one, and eventually for four family members living with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Drawing from years of firsthand experience, she shares the lessons, mistakes, and moments of grace that shaped her caregiving journey. Tracy talks about the overwhelming early days of caregiving and the key resources that helped her begin to navigate this challenging role. She explains why patience and laughter became her most valuable lessons and how they allowed her to sustain both compassion and hope over time. For those struggling with the constant repetition of questions so common in dementia care, Tracy reveals her thoughtful method for reducing "question fatigue." Listeners will walk away with Tracy's practical tips for new caregivers, reminders about self‑care and realistic expectations, and encouragement drawn from her own hard‑won insights. Her website, TracyCramPerkins.com, offers additional tools and resources—and anyone who subscribes to her newsletter will receive her free guide, 10 Steps to Calming Aggressive Dementia Behavior. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you or someone you know in their serious illness journey! Connect with Harbor Hospice & Beacon Hospice: Follow Harbor Hospice on Facebook. Follow Beacon Hospice on Facebook. For more information about Harbor Hospice, please visit harborhospice.com For more information about Beacon Hospice, please visit beacon.life For more information about HarborCare & BeaconCare Palliative Services, please visit myharborcare.com Please send your questions or comments to the podcast host at [email protected].