In this powerful episode, our hosts Bob, Lori, Dennis, and SuAnne are joined by special guest Sallie Gentry, a licensed clinical social worker based in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Sallie shares her deep passion for supporting caregivers and individuals navigating cognitive disorders, drawing from her personal experiences.

This conversation dives into crucial topics, including:

• The vital importance of purpose for individuals living with cognitive decline and how to maintain engagement.
• The caregiver’s role: How to balance support and empowerment, avoiding the common “doing too much” trap, and strategies like chore lists to foster independence.
• Cultivating patience, grace, and dignity in care partnerships, and how to avoid “parent-child” dynamics.
• Acknowledging and adapting to day-to-day fluctuations in abilities for those with memory loss.

This episode offers invaluable insights for both individuals with a diagnosis and their caregivers, emphasizing that true support nurtures emotional well-being, preserves dignity, and fosters a sense of purpose.