Caregiving: a long-term commitment that comes with watching someone you love age with a disease known to change the person you once knew, all while you juggle various roles and responsibilities to make sure they are still being provided for.
Some days, it feels like the world’s weight is falling on your shoulders.
As a dementia caregiver, we know your plate is full, and that is why we’re here – to ease some of the burdens for you and provide you with the tools, resources, and support needed to ensure you and your loved one live a life full of meaning and purpose.
You need not walk this journey alone, and even during some of the hardest trials, there is still joy to be found in caregiving.
Let us help you find it.
Dear Caregiver,
At Oakwood Creative Care, we walk alongside families facing the complex and emotional journey of memory loss. And over the years, we’ve heard a common refrain from one dementia caregiver to the next: “I wish someone had told me this sooner.”
If you’re new to caregiving—or just drowning in it—it’s okay. You’re not failing. You’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Here’s what we’ve learned from families who’ve been there, including the three most important things every dementia caregiver wishes they knew from the start.
You’re a Caregiver, But That Doesn’t Mean You Have to Do It All Alone
One of the biggest misconceptions caregivers carry is that they should be able to do everything themselves — manage medications, handle mood swings, navigate doctor’s visits, plan meals, bathe, calm, entertain, keep smiling, repeat.
But here’s the truth: dementia care is more than a full-time job—it’s an evolving journey that often comes with emotional, physical, and spiritual weight.
We want you to know something: Asking for help isn’t a weakness. It’s wisdom.
Whether it’s leaning on a friend, attending a support group, or working with professional care providers, building a circle of support is vital for you and your loved one.
It’s Not Just Memory Loss
The truth is, your entire world is changing (and so is theirs). Many families are often caught off guard by the way dementia affects more than memory, including mood, behavior, sleep, mobility, and even relationships. Suddenly, the person you love may become someone you don’t quite recognize. This can feel heartbreaking, confusing, and even isolating.
Knowing how to adjust the environment, adapt communication, and respond to behaviors can make an enormous difference. But these aren’t skills most people “just know.”
These are learned skills… and that’s okay! Think of it this way: When you start a new job, you don’t just walk into the building already knowing everything there is to know about the company. Instead, you have a trainer or mentor who walks alongside you, showing you the ropes and offering pointers along the way.
As a dementia caregiver, there will be no perfect reaction, no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges you may be facing—but there are tools, strategies, and supports that can lighten the load and help you reconnect in meaningful ways.
The Right Programs Can Change Everything
When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to assume you just need to “hang in there” and wait for it to get better. But here’s something every seasoned caregiver learns the hard way:
There are resources out there that make life easier—and they’re often covered by Medicare. You just need to know where to look. At Oakwood Creative Care, you can find two different programs designed specifically with the dementia journey in mind:
The GUIDE Program – A comprehensive support model covered under Medicare that connects families to a personal care navigator, family caregiver training, 24/7 support, and dementia-informed day services. GUIDE helps families feel seen, supported, and confident in their care journey.
The COPE Program – A home-based coaching program where licensed professionals provide in-person visits, personalized caregiving strategies, and emotional support right where life happens: in your home. COPE helps reduce stress, increase confidence, and improve daily routines for both the caregiver and the person living with dementia.
*COPE services may also be covered by Medicare for those enrolled in a GUIDE Membership plan with Oakwood Creative Care.
You Deserve Support, Too… Always
Caregiving is an act of love, but it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your well-being. With the right knowledge, resources, and community, you can create more moments of joy, clarity, and connection.
Whether you’re just beginning your journey or deep in the thick of it, Oakwood Creative Care is here to walk with you—because you matter, too.
Signed,
A Fellow Caregiver
We're Here For You
The impacts of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other age-related issues affect the entire family. Oakwood Creative Care provides services, education, and support to help you ensure you never have to navigate through this journey alone.
