Not your average caregiver resource list
Caregiving can feel isolating, but a wealth of support resources are available if you know where to look. Here are eight people and organizations to connect with to feel less alone.
Photo by Andrew Moca on Unsplash
When you Google “Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiver resources,” you get a long list of government and non-profit organizations offering advice and guidance to help you care for your loved one. While we highly suggest exploring the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimers.gov, the Family Caregiver Alliance, and similar organizations, other lesser-known caregiver resources may feel more personable, relatable, and friendly.
If you’re looking for resources that bring a little more flavor and flare to caregiving, consider looking up some people and organizations on this list.
1. Alzauthors.com
Alzauthors.com features more than 300 contributing authors who all have personal experience with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. They update their blog and podcast regularly, so there is always something new to read or listen to. In addition to being powerful and emotional, the stories here will help you connect to a whole band of people who can relate to your caregiving experiences.
2. Wendy Mitchell's books
Wendy Mitchell was diagnosed with young-onset dementia in 2014. Since then, she has published two books about her journey with dementia; each has received hundreds of rave reviews from dementia and Alzheimer’s caregivers. Check out Somebody I Used to Know: A Memoir and What I Wish People Knew about Dementia if you want inspiration and advice for connecting with your loved one.
3. Jacquelyn Joyce from Mom of my mom.com
Jacquelyn Joyce cared for her grandmother and her mother during their journeys through dementia. She documented her caregiving experiences on Instagram and YouTube, where you can watch her extremely relatable videos. She’s open, honest, and wildly practical with her day-to-day advice and storytelling.
Since her mother passed away, Joyce has continued touching on topics like grief, searching for a job post-caregiving, and even how her caregiving skills translate into the world outside caregiving.
4. Silver Cuisine
If you want to enjoy food, activities, and celebrations with your loved one, Silver Cuisine is an excellent place to start. In addition to being a meal delivery service for seniors, Silver Cuisine has a high-quality library of blog posts full of creative ideas for making all kinds of occasions safe and memorable for you and your loved one.
5. Adria Thompson of @Belightcare on Instagram Dementia Nutrition
Adria Thompson of @Belightcare is a speech-language pathologist who posts short and practical caregiver videos on Instagram almost daily. She exudes positivity, and everything she shares is through the lens of protecting your loved one’s individuality and dignity as their disease progresses. She is a breath of fresh air in the caregiving space.
6. Dementia Nutrition
If mealtime with your loved one is a struggle, Molly from Dementia Nutrition is a great friend to have in your corner. She features several downloadable resources on her website. In addition, you can follow her on Instagram @dementia.nutrition. We love that she keeps things simple and healthy while prioritizing quality of life for your loved one (she won’t tell you to skip dessert).
7. Dementia Care Partner Talk Show with Teepa Snow
Teepa Snow is well-known for her positive approach to care methods. Her podcast episodes are about 10 minutes long, and she keeps things focused and relatable. Moreover, you’ll notice she brings humor and levity into the caregiving conversation. Teepa’s content is worth checking out, and the podcast is beneficial if you’re caring for a spouse.
8. Steadii Caregiver Community
The Steadii Caregiver Community is a virtual space for questions, encouragement, support, and exploration. While the needs of each caregiver vary, there’s one common thread. A sense of community and feeling supported, seen, and appreciated positively impact the caregiving experience.
In this community, you can interact with other caregivers, access free caregiving resources, participate in virtual events, and receive support from Steadii advocates. Join us today.