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July Newsletter, When love changes shape without losing yourself

nicoleba606
Oct 13
3 min read

 

When a flower doesn't bloom you change the environment in which it grows not the flower

When love changes shape without losing yourself

“Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn't know possible.”— Tia Walker, The Inspired Caregiver

When love changes shape

 

There comes a point in many dementia journeys when the relationship begins to look different. The conversations may become shorter, roles may reverse, and the ways you express love may change. While this can bring grief, it can also remind us that love isn't measured by words alone. Sometimes, love is simply showing up, over and over again.

 

Love might look different 

 

 

  • Love becomes helping your loved one dress themself while they look at you with gratitude in their eyes.

 

 

  • Love becomes sitting quietly together instead of talking for hours.

 

 

  • Love becomes preparing meals for and with your loved one while they watch quietly.

 

 

  •  Love becomes holding hands instead of holding conversations.

 

 

  • Love becomes being present.

 

Remembering who you are

 

Caregiving can become so consuming that it's easy to forget the parts of yourself that existed long before appointments, medications, and daily routines. While caring for someone else is incredibly important, caring for yourself isn't selfish, it's part of being able to continue caring well.

 

You are still:

  • A spouse, a friend, a son or daughter

  • A reader, a gardener, an artist

  • A traveler, a baker, a volunteer

  • Someone with dreams

  • Someone who is worthy of time

  • Someone who deserves rest

     

Try to take ten minutes this week to reconnect with something that has always brought you joy.

Not because you've earned it but because you are still you💜


The Sensory Spotlight

 

Each month, we'll shine a light on one of the five senses and explore simple, meaningful ways to create moments of comfort, connection, and joy for someone living with dementia. These small sensory experiences can help reduce anxiety, spark memories, and strengthen connection without even saying a single word.

July=Sense of Touch

Sometimes, the most meaningful conversations happen without saying a single word. A gentle hand on the shoulder, holding hands during a walk, a warm hug, or applying hand lotion together can all provide comfort and reassurance. Touch is one of the last senses to remain meaningful for many living with dementia and can help reduce anxiety, communicate safety, and strengthen connection.

 

  • Hold hands while watching birds or listening to music.

  • Give a gentle hand or shoulder massage with a favorite lotion.

  • Sit close while reading or looking through photo albums.

  • Brush your loved one's hair.

  • Offer a soft blanket or favorite stuffed animal for comfort.

  • Pet a dog or cat together if they enjoy animals.

Some Products that I like


 

A caregiver's Journal-  This thoughtfully crafted journal is more than just a planner. It provides a structured yet flexible space to track daily care routines, behaviors, financial information, medical appointments, medication schedules and much more, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

  • Banking Accounts Tracker

  • Behavior Tracker

  • Sleep Tracker

  • Income & Expense Pages

  • Favorite Things Pages

  • Doctor's Appointments Recorder

  • Upcoming Appointments Pages


 

Soft fluffy faux fur blanket-This soft blanket features a plush, silky, and fluffy touch that feels cozy. Snuggle up on the couch and connect with your loved one. This soft blanket might be just what you need to relax after caring for your loved one.

 

If no one has told you lately, you're doing meaningful work. The days may not always be easy, and the path may look different than you imagined, but your patience and compassion matter more than you know. While dementia may change the way love is expressed, it can never erase the love that continues to be given.


If you have a topic that you'd like to explore 

 

Email me!

nicole@brilliancedementia.com

 

I hope you've enjoyed this newsletter but if you didn't and would like to be taken off of my email list please reply and let me know   This is NOT a replacement for healthcare.  This is not considered healthcare advice.  Please consult your loved one's healthcare providers for best practices and recommendations for your situation. 


 
 
 

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