Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services LLC

71% of carers say they are already grieving the person they knew while still caring for them.

If this feels familiar, you’re not alone.

When someone close to you develops dementia, both of you may experience a profound sense of loss that can change over time.

Depending on your relationship and circumstances, you may feel you are losing, or have already lost: your relationship with the person; companionship, support and special understanding; a particular lifestyle; intimacy with the person; freedom to work or take part in other activities; communication between you; future plans; and the person themselves.

You may grieve for a short time as you experience these changes, or grief can be ongoing.

Your feelings of grief may also change or go back and forth over time.

Feelings of loss and grief might make it harder for you to cope with caring.

Some of the changes you both go through can be harder to process than the person’s death.

It’s important to acknowledge any feelings you have and try not to feel guilty about them. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.

[Image description: A graphic titled 'Grieving a person with dementia can feel like you’re losing or have already lost...' depicts a person sat down, holding their knees towards their chest, as if something is troubling them. They are surrounded by short sentences describing the the different types of 'loss', which include: Intimacy with the person; Your relationship with the person; Companionship, support and special understanding; A particular lifestyle; Freedom to work or take part in other activities; Communication between you; Future plans; and The person. An Alzheimer's Society logo can be seen in the bottom left corner.]

Please note that we will be meeting in a different room at Batavia Covenant Church for June and July! Thanks for your flexibility!

"What time are we leaving?" "What time are we leaving?" "What time are we leaving?"
To an untrained ear, repetitive questions can sound like frustration. To a memory care professional, it sounds like a search for safety.

When Alzheimer's damages short-term memory, the present moment can feel entirely unpredictable. Repetition isn't a lack of attention—it is often an anchor for an anxious mind looking for reassurance.
Professional Insight: Instead of correcting or giving lengthy logistical answers (which can cause cognitive overload), address the underlying emotion. A brief, reassuring statement followed by an immediate visual or physical redirection can break the loop and lower cortisol levels for the individual.
Let's change how we respond to the loop.

It is a good day to have a good day and meet all kinds of amazing people!

Thanks Brad!

It is not lost on me that caregivers have questions and concerns that they may not want to share in a large group setting. I intentionally set out extra time after every presentation to be present for organic conversations afterwards. If it is one person or 7, I truly believe this is the very best use of my time and it is a gift to have caregivers and lifelong learners trust me with their stories. I'm so grateful for this recently shared photo of an event at Covenant Living in Northbrook. I believe this is spiritual work and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to connect, through tears and laughter.

Next month we will meet at a new time (2:00 -3:00) but if you are free at 11:30 today we would love to have you join us!

Many people believe estate planning is only for the wealthy or something that can wait until later. The reality is that having a plan in place can benefit families at every stage of life.

If you or someone you know is a caring for a loved one with a chronic illness or dementia. Join us at our Yorkville location Tuesdays from 2:00 to 3:30 June 16till August 11 for our free 8-week stressbusters program.
to register please call (630)-553-8028