single-post-top-b

CAREGIVING

The Pattern of Caregiver Development

| 4 Minute Read
Written by: Meaning & Hope Institute

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

Navigating the role of a caregiver is akin to embarking on an intricate journey through uncharted terrain. Caregivers aren’t born with an innate knack for caregiving; instead, they grow into their roles, often in response to the evolving health conditions of their loved ones. This process of adaptation, though often unconscious, equips caregivers with an ever-improving ability to provide care.

This journey of caregiver development follows a distinctive pattern, characterized by five key states: 

  • Being
  • Connecting
  • Trying 
  • Adjusting
  • Committing

These states form a continuous cycle that caregivers undergo in their caregiving journey. Each state is marked by a distinct set of values, such as presence, trust, action, learning, and love, which guide caregivers in their actions and decisions.

We invite you to read the full article by Dr. Blight on the Caregiving Kinetics website for a deeper understanding of how caregiving transforms not only the caregiver’s role but their life more broadly.

Download the one-sheet resource guide:  The Pattern of Caregiver Development

SHARE:
fmhv-footer-b fmhv-footer-top-b

CAREGIVING

Navigating Travel with Dementia 

| 16 Minute Read
Thinking about taking a trip with a loved one who has dementia? Travel can offer joy, connection, and stimulation but can also bring a lot of stress. Jan Dougherty, dementia care expert, author of Travel Well with Dementia, and founder of TravALZ, shares her top travel tips for caregivers. From choosing the right hotel room to navigating airports with TSA Cares, Jan’s advice helps families travel safely and with confidence. Read this blog to learn how you can plan dementia-friendly travel experiences that preserve dignity and joy.
Read More

CAREGIVING, FACILITATOR

Helping Caregivers Navigate Ambiguous Loss 

| 15 Minute Read
After seeing the unique struggles of dementia caregivers, Jennifer Grand became a facilitator for Duet’s Finding Meaning and Hope discussion series. Hear about she started and how you can make a difference.
Read More

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.
Read More

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.
Read More