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CAREGIVING

Developing Resilience as a Family Caregiver

| 5 Minute Read
Written by: Meaning & Hope Institute

Based on the work of Dr. Aaron Blight and used with permission.

Resilience is a remarkable trait that enables caregivers to adapt and persevere through challenging circumstances. These unsung heroes continue to provide care and support to their loved ones, even when the path ahead seems daunting. But what lies behind the development of caregiver resilience?

Based on extensive research and practical insights, a comprehensive model of caregiver resilience has been created. This model encompasses five key domains, each represented by an “R” word: Roles, Relationships, Realities, Rewards, and Readiness.

Roles: Caregivers learn to understand and adapt to the various roles that emerge in their caregiving journey.

Relationships: They nurture and maintain important relationships, adapting to changes while preserving the bonds with their loved ones.

Realities: Resilient caregivers confront the challenges of caregiving head-on, embracing difficulties as they work to overcome them.

Rewards: They find positivity amidst adversity, recognizing unexpected blessings and moments of grace.

Readiness: Caregivers prepare themselves through practice and learning to provide effective care to their loved ones.

This model provides a structured approach for caregivers and professionals to assess and address caregiving challenges. For a deeper understanding, we invite you to explore the full article by Dr. Blight on the Caregiving Kinetics website, which offers valuable insights and guidance for those navigating the caregiving journey.

Download the one-sheet resource guide:  The Caregiver Resilience Model

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CAREGIVING, Elaine Poker-Yount

Dementia Caregiving: The Voice We Don’t Hear

| 14 Minute Read
What if your loved one with dementia could tell you exactly how they feel? Aging and dementia care expert Elaine Poker-Yount shares a powerful anonymous letter that offers a rare window into the emotional world of someone living with dementia—reminding us that even when words are lost, the person is still there.
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CAREGIVING, Elaine Scholly

Let’s Talk Alzheimer’s with Elaine Scholly

| 3 Minute Read
Elaine Scholly, a family caregiver, author, and dementia educator, shares her personal journey through Alzheimer's in her book Alzheimer’s: Be Aware and Prepared, Caregiving at Any Age. A longtime volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association, Elaine is dedicated to supporting dementia family caregivers with education, encouragement, and practical advice. Her new video series, Let’s Talk Alzheimer’s, offers helpful guidance for those navigating caregiving at any age.
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CAREGIVING, Elaine Poker-Yount

To Dementia Care Partners – Stop Arguing: Focus on Winning the War not Fighting the Battles

| 11 Minute Read
Are you finding yourself stuck in the same arguments with your loved one, feeling exhausted and unheard? You’re not alone. Dementia and other age-related changes can impact how someone sees the world and responds to it. Aging and dementia care educator Elaine Poker-Yount encourages care partners to step back, reassess, and shift their mindset from controlling outcomes to fostering understanding. When you change the way you approach conversations, you reduce frustration and create a deeper emotional connection for both of you.
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CAREGIVING, Elaine Poker-Yount

Care Partners vs. Care Givers – Why It Matters

| 13 Minute Read
Elaine Poker-Yount, Aging and Dementia Care Educator at Successful Aging AZ, challenges us to rethink our role in supporting a loved one with dementia. Are we care givers, focused on tasks, or care partners, fostering connection and autonomy? Shifting from doing things for someone to doing things with them preserves dignity, encourages engagement, and strengthens relationships. Who do you want to be in your loved one’s journey? This simple mindset shift can make all the difference.
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