“The most expensive mistake dementia caregivers make isn’t medical—it’s waiting too long to secure legal and financial footing.” Episode 278 is a straight-talk coaching call with Margie that every Christian caregiver needs to hear.
Lizette begins with her signature prompt to create clarity: “So let’s say it’s six months from today and things are easier in your caregiving journey. What would that look like for you?” Margie’s goal: stop working outside the home and still care well for her husband (early dementia).
From there, the plan is practical, biblical, and doable:
1) Protect assets before capacity is lost
If a loved one can no longer legally sign, options shrink overnight. Meet with an elder care/estate planning attorney now to explore trusts, life estate options, and state-specific tools that safeguard the home, annuities, and savings. Stewardship, not panic.
2) Audit and update documents annually
Confirm you have: Durable Power of Attorney (financial) Health Care Power of Attorney Living Will/Advance Directives
Review yearly so successor agents are still appropriate. God is not a God of confusion—keep your paperwork in order.
3) Plan for 24-hour care (even if it never comes)
“Begin with the end in mind.” If illness progresses, one person cannot safely do it alone. Backward-plan staffing, funding, and respite now. Consider a trusted “financial social worker” or advisor who structures income so the well spouse isn’t impoverished.
4) Use a “directed conversation”
When updating paperwork with your spouse, don’t present 100 options. Narrow to two or three wise choices, then invite a decision. That’s Therapeutic Truth-Telling™ in action—clear, kind, dignity-preserving.
The Think Different Dementia Method™ keeps your care relationship-centered and Scripture-anchored—so you steward two lives: theirs and yours.
🎟 Next live Ask the Dementia Coach Q and A: Saturday, August 23 at 12 p.m. ET. Bring your specifics and leave with a plan: thinkdifferentdementia.com/ask
💬 What Do I Say When Dementia Makes Words Hard? Speak Calm, Not Just Words Get “What Do I Say? How to Connect with Your Loved One with Dementia” — a free guide for Christian caregivers navigating confusion, repetition, and emotional moments. ✅ 10 ready-to-use scripts ✅ Rooted in Scripture ✅ Built on the Therapeutic Truth-Telling™ model Download the guide now: https://www.dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/script
🤝 You Don’t Have to Do This Alone Join other Christian caregivers who are walking this road too — and learning how to care with compassion, clarity, and faith. 👥 Join the free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dementiacaregiversupportforchristians
🗣️ Ask Your Question Live — and Be Heard Bring your real-life caregiving questions to Ask the Dementia Coach — our free monthly Q&A session. You’ll get support, clarity, and maybe even be featured on the podcast. Brought to you every month! 🎤 Register here: https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/ask
🎓 Want to Reduce Overwhelm Right Now? Join our free workshop: How to Immediately Reduce Dementia Caregiver Overwhelm and Stress — in 3 Simple Steps ✅ Practical tools ✅ Faith-informed strategies ✅ Same-day results Reserve your seat: https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/wsl
🧭 Still Feeling Stuck? If you’re wondering what’s underneath your stress, the Caregiver Stress Assessment can help clarify what’s really weighing you down — so you can take your next step with peace. Take the free assessment: https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/dca
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