In my last post, I shared one of the hardest stories of my life—what it’s been like caring for my mom as she rapidly declines from dementia. If you missed that story, you can read it here.
I promised I’d come back with something that took it one step further—the practical side of boundaries.
Because while the emotional side is messy and heartbreaking, it’s the practical stuff that often keeps us afloat.
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So today, I want to offer you a little collection of tools, resources, and mindset shifts that have helped me as I walk this caregiving road from afar.
1. Quick Facts About Dementia That Might Help You Feel Less Alone
- Over 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s today.
- 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
- Dementia doesn’t just affect memory—it can cause severe personality changes, paranoia, confusion, and misplaced anger.
- Misplaced aggression is extremely common and often gets directed toward the person with the strongest emotional connection to the patient.
Knowing this doesn’t erase the pain—but it does remind you that what you’re experiencing is part of a larger, difficult disease. It’s not your fault.
2. Boundaries Are a Lifeline (Not a Luxury)
Here are 3 boundaries I personally put in place that might help you too:
- I don’t answer every call. I had to get comfortable letting the phone ring and giving myself permission to step away.
- I purchased a phone that limits the number of calls my mom can make per hour. (You can look into the RAZ Memory Cell Phone for dementia patients—it’s been a game changer.)
- I set windows of time when I’m emotionally available to talk—and I hold that boundary.
Scripts that helped me:
- “Mom, I can’t answer the phone right now, but I’ll call you back this evening.”
- “I’m not able to have this conversation right now, but I love you, and I’ll call you soon.”
3. Build Your Circle of Support
You can’t do this alone. Here are some resources I’ve leaned on:
- Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
- Online Caregiver Support Groups: Facebook has incredible private groups where you can get real-time support from people who get it.
- The Alzheimer’s Association Local Chapters: Many offer local support groups, workshops, and one-on-one assistance.
Even a five-minute phone call with a support line can remind you: You are not in this by yourself.
4. It’s Okay to Grieve the Relationship You Used to Have
Caregiver guilt is real. So is caregiver grief.
I’ve had to grieve the version of my mom I used to know—the one who was kind, who loved me fiercely, and who would have never spoken to me the way this disease sometimes makes her speak.
Grief isn’t just for when people pass away.
It’s for all the little pieces we lose along the way.
And I want you to know—it’s okay to grieve. It’s okay to step back. It’s okay to choose your own peace, even when it feels hard.
If you’re also finding it harder to show up the way you used to—especially if caregiving or emotional overload has changed your energy—I shared more about that quiet shift in this post about moving from extrovert to inward.
Want More Support?
If you’re walking through this season—or any season that’s stretching you emotionally—I’d love to stay connected.
You can join my email list here where I share more stories, gentle strategies, and practical ways to create a life (and a business) that honors your energy and your peace.
When you join my list today, you will get access to my free download: Caregiver Support Resources.
I often share free downloads that go with a blog post and you can get them as being part of my email community.
Or simply leave a comment below—what boundary are you learning to set in your life right now? And let me know if you would like the Caregiver Support Resources companion pdf that goes with blog post.
