Caring for someone with dementia or other complex needs can be very hard, especially for family members who also have other responsibilities. Caregivers often juggle caring for their loved ones with work, family, and their own needs, leading to stress and exhaustion. Amy, Director of Client Services at Senior Helpers Boynton Beach, shares her advice on managing these challenges. She talks about ways to care for yourself while caring for others and how using helpful tools can make caregiving easier and less overwhelming. Amy’s insights offer simple, practical tips for caregivers to stay strong and supported in their important roles.
There are so many out there and so much competition; I am sure several great ones exist. There is one company called Con Soul; I had them as a guest on my podcast Senior Strategies. It is like a registry for the caregiver. Often, the caregiver is burned out and stuck in a routine of caring, not even knowing what they need when someone asks for help, or they are embarrassed to ask for help. This website allows the caregiver/family members to open an account and create a registry for their specific needs/wants/wishes. You share your code with your friends and family; all they must do is go to the site and choose what they can do, relieving items from the wish list.
Another great app is called Echo Box Memory Vault. It is a beautiful way to store music, recipes, and memories on the caregiver’s phone. You can share it with the seniors when they are having difficulty brightening their day. Friends and family can also share their thoughts, music, and recipes. It benefits the caregiver and their families and becomes a keepsake for all. I also interviewed them on my show. Both apps are Canada-based.
Constant communication!!! Regular visits to see their loved ones, recognizing their birthdays and anniversaries. When visiting, take videos or photos to share with family so they can see how their loved one is doing. We have a Nurse who goes every 3 months to reassess unless there has been an occurrence, and our nurse needs to visit sooner to create a new care plan. Just yesterday, I was speaking with one of our clients who has been in rehab for a week or so now and sounded very depressed. I went by Publix, bought her favorite snacks, and ran through Chick-fil-A to get her lunch. It made her whole week!! It’s the little things. Then you take a photo with her, all smiles and snacks, and send that to family members who live far away and can’t visit as often as they’d like.
When we have our initial assessment, I like to get a full picture of who our new client is/was so we know what they still would like to talk about or do as an activity. One of our favorite activities is asking the family to send recent photos of everyone, including their cats and dogs, creating a poster board with the pictures, and putting their names under each photo. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and lessens loneliness when they can look at the board with all their loved ones smiling at them.
We also ask that the family create a list of duties that must be done daily/weekly/monthly, then laminate it and hang it on the fridge. That way, the caregiver can see what needs to be accomplished daily without asking. Also, if a new caregiver substitutes for the regular one, the care is seamless as they don’t need to ask; it’s clear what needs to be done.
– Amy Decker
I hold three Family/Caregiver Support Groups monthly in different locations. I encourage all our caregivers to attend. I also promote it on social media and the Next-Door App. Seeing them come together and realize how many others struggle on the same journey is great. They make new friends who truly understand each other, and each month, we discuss our biggest challenges and successes. They end up helping each other with what has worked for them; sometimes, I just sit there and watch their beauty lovingly solve each other’s problems. We celebrate their successes and mourn their losses and sadness. If they must bring their loved one, Senior Helpers offers free respite care onsite.
My podcast, Senior Strategies, was created specifically for the burned-out caregiver, offering tools and strategies for families and caregivers. It is my main focus and passion. I was a burned-out caregiver for my mother, and I don’t want anyone to go through or feel the way that I did.
There is so much to learn about dementia. I am personally trained by Teepa Snow, internationally known for her techniques in dealing with dementia. I train all our new caregivers in her methods, as dementia care can present daily challenges. I recently became a Certified Dementia Practitioner, which I’m very proud of.
One emerging trend is the use of technology, like mobile apps and wearables, to help caregivers track progress and manage care. Additionally, non-pharmacological therapies, such as music and art therapy, are becoming more common to enhance emotional and cognitive well-being.
We are hosting Teepa again this year on March 12th in Stuart, Florida, for a FREE seminar that everyone can benefit from. Josh Freitas, who wrote a game-changing book on memory care, is also a great resource.
Amy’s dedication and insights empower caregivers to manage their responsibilities effectively while supporting their well-being. By focusing on connection, personalized care, and learning innovative techniques, caregivers can navigate the challenges of dementia care with compassion and resilience. Amy offers invaluable resources through her podcast and support groups for those on this journey.
Amy Decker is a dedicated advocate and leader in senior care, combining years of experience with a heartfelt commitment to her work. As Director of Client Services at Senior Helpers in Boynton Beach, she has championed initiatives prioritizing seniors' well-being and dignity, particularly those with memory impairments. Her creative approach includes the ‘Signature Baby Experience’—a touching program that encourages interactions between Hospice and Memory Care patients through life-like baby dolls, creating moments of connection and joy. In addition to her role at Senior Helpers, Amy hosts Senior Strategies, a show where she discusses essential resources and support tools for caregivers and families with industry experts.
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