Posts by L.E. Summers

When someone you love is diagnosed with dementia, your life begins to shift in ways you never imagined. You don’t just step into the role of caregiver—you become a nurse, advocate, memory-keeper, scheduler, emotional anchor, and so much more. What begins as a response to their needs slowly becomes a process of inner change. Caregiving…

When you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, medical appointments can feel overwhelming—for both of you. You may be juggling paperwork, trying to remember symptoms, asking questions, and interpreting answers, all while comforting someone who may feel confused or anxious in a clinical setting. In many ways, you become their voice. Their historian. Their…

If your loved one with dementia becomes more confused, restless, or agitated in the late afternoon or early evening, you’re not imagining it. This pattern, commonly known as sundowning, affects many people with dementia—often catching caregivers off guard just when they’re winding down from a long day. Sundowning can be emotionally exhausting for both you…

If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, you may find yourself asking: Why is this happening? Why can’t they remember? Why do they get so confused or upset? These questions often stem from trying to understand what’s going on inside their brain. You don’t need a medical degree to understand the basics. In…

Dementia research has seen remarkable advancements recently, offering hope to millions affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions. From novel medications to innovative diagnostic tools, the landscape of dementia care is evolving rapidly. Here’s an overview of the latest developments: 🧪 FDA Approvals of New Treatments Donanemab (Kisunla): In July 2024, the U.S. Food and…

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, one of the biggest questions families face is: What comes next? Dementia is not a straight path—it unfolds in stages, often slowly, sometimes unpredictably. Each phase brings new challenges, and understanding these changes can help you respond with greater compassion, patience, and preparedness. In this post, we’ll…

Dementia caregiving is more than just assisting with tasks like bathing, meals, and medications. It’s the constant emotional vigilance, the worry when your loved one doesn’t recognize you, and the loneliness of watching someone you love slowly slip away. You carry a tremendous weight, and no one is meant to carry that weight alone. Here’s…

Caring for a loved one with dementia is not just about meeting their physical needs—it’s about preserving their dignity, joy, and sense of purpose. As the disease progresses, staying engaged in meaningful activities can make a world of difference in their mood, cognitive abilities, and overall well-being. But finding the right activities isn’t always easy.…

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, one of the most difficult challenges is figuring out how to share the news with family and friends. It’s a conversation filled with emotions—fear, sadness, uncertainty, and even denial. You may be worried about how others will react, how much information to share, or how to explain…

Welcome back to Compassionate Care, where we provide heartfelt guidance and support for those caring for loved ones with dementia. If you’ve been on this journey for any length of time, you know it can feel like navigating an unfamiliar landscape without a map. One day, your loved one remembers your name and shares a…