By Marianne Sciucco, New York, USA
Have you heard these myths about faith’s role in caregiving?
- Myth 1: Faith won’t make a difference in the practical challenges.
- Myth 2: Caregivers must be perfect in their faith to make a difference.
- Myth 3: Faith won’t alleviate the emotional toll of caregiving.
Let’s unravel them with our guest Dorothy Horne in this replay of Books & Chit Chat with Aging & Amazing. We touch on everything from clinical trials to the role of faith, and the power of community and positive narratives on the dementia journey.
Dorothy, a retired first-grade teacher and former columnist for a local newspaper, brings a unique perspective to the conversation as she shares her caregiving journey with her husband, Byron, diagnosed in 2011 with early onset Alzheimer’s at age 62. He passed away on May 29, 2018. Through her faith and resilience, Dorothy has found moments of grace and strength in the midst of the challenges of dementia caregiving. Her heartfelt reflections and personal experiences offer valuable insights into the role of faith in navigating the complexities of Alzheimer’s and dementia, providing inspiration and support for others on similar paths. She has shared these insights in two books: Glimpses of Grace: Walking in Hope Through Alzheimer’s and Ordinary Days and Glimpses of Grace: And Grace Will Lead Us Home.
In this episode, you will:
- Explore the profound impact of faith in providing strength and comfort while navigating the challenges of dementia caregiving.
- Learn how to break free from the negative stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis.
- Encounter the concept of “lightbearers” and how to become one.
- Discover the transformative power of community support in finding emotional resilience and practical assistance.
- Prepare for a positive and fulfilling life beyond caregiving by understanding the transition process and available resources
The journey of dementia caregiving can be filled with moments of loneliness and difficulty, often leaving you searching for resilience and gratitude to navigate through. Implementing learnings from Dorothy’s faith-based approach brings resilience, gratitude, and emotional support, transforming the caregiving journey into a more hopeful and meaningful experience.
After the podcast
Read Dorothy’s AlzAuthors post
Purchase Glimpses of Grace: Walking in Hope Through Alzheimer’s and Ordinary Days and Glimpses of Grace: And Grace Will Lead Us Home now.
Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales.
Connect with Dorothy
Mentions
Michael Verde’s work – For those interested in Michael Verde’s work and his insights on dementia care, you can explore his organization, Memory Bridge, and access his resources and speaking engagements.
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.
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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.
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