Supporting a Parent With Dementia When You’re Living Apart with Laura Smothers-Chu

In this episode of Sacred Work in Progress, Bonnie is joined by dementia coach and advocate Laura Smothers-Chu, founder of Joy in Dementia. Laura specializes in helping adult children who are supporting a parent with dementia when they do not live in the same home.Laura’s dad was diagnosed with dementia when she was twenty-eight. Even working in healthcare, she could not find resources that spoke to her experience as a daughter living apart from her parents. Everything was geared toward the primary caregiver under the same roof. So she created what she needed and now guides other long distance caregivers through both the practical logistics and the emotional weight of this journey.We talk about:How Laura’s dad’s diagnosis led her to create Joy in DementiaWhat “long distance caregiver” really means beyond miles on a mapThe invisible guilt, grief, and helplessness adult children often carryWhy long distance caregivers are actually uniquely positioned to helpPractical ways to support your parents from afar without taking overThe importance of planning: POA, wills, elder law attorneys and financesStaying present with your parent while still preparing for the futureFinding moments of joy inside a dementia journey that is also deeply heavyHow Laura weaves mindfulness, human design, and intuitive insight into her workHer free guide on dementia stages written specifically for long distance caregiversConnect with LauraWebsite: https://www.joyindementia.com/Instagram / Social: @joy.in.dementiaFree 20-minute consult for long distance caregivers: https://www.joyindementia.com/consultsLearn more about BonnieWebsite: ⁠https://bonniesorsby.com/about/Instagram / Social: ⁠@bonniesorsbyart