Helping Caregivers Navigate Dementia with Support and Guidance

By Amy Kowinsky

Life does not prepare anyone to be a dementia family caregiver. As a result, families are often left feeling unprepared, alone, stressed and scared. And as dementia progresses, the journey can be just as difficult, if not more so, for the family as it is on the person with the disease. 

While dementia is a medical condition, much of the struggle isn’t medical at all. It’s emotional. Social. Relational. It touches every part of life — yours and theirs. And every journey is unique. There’s a saying: If you’ve met one person with dementia, you’ve met one person with dementia. The disease looks different for everyone, and so does the caregiving experience.

That’s why cookie-cutter advice rarely helps. Google searches can leave you more confused than before. As a result, many families are left feeling guilty, inadequate, confused, and frustrated, even though they’re doing the best they can.

Presbyterian SeniorCare Network offers two levels of help for family caregivers of people living with dementia:

Virtual support groups

Join one or both of our monthly virtual support groups. These groups offer a sense of community, giving you the opportunity to connect with others who understand the caregiving journey and to learn helpful strategies through shared experiences. These groups take place on:

  • 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6pm

  • 4th Tuesday of the month at 3pm

Dementia360

Dementia360 offers personalized, one-on-one coaching tailored specifically to your unique situation. Our expert guidance helps you navigate the challenges of dementia with greater clarity and confidence. At the heart of Dementia360 is the relationship between your family and a dedicated dementia care coordinator, someone who will walk beside you, offering personalized knowledge, practical skills, and ongoing support to help you keep your loved one at home, living comfortably and safely for as long as that remains your goal, while also helping you build a caregiving life that feels more manageable, supported, and sustainable. 

For more information about either of these two programs, Amy Kowinsky, Executive Director, Dementia360, can be reached at (412) 435-8950 or akowinsky@srcare.org. Learn more at www.SrCare.org/Dementia360.