What do you do when someone you love begins showing signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia—and you have no idea where to start?
In this powerful episode of Parenting Up: Caregiving Adventures, J Smiles sits down with Pastor Jeanette Jordan, founder of Dementia Dignified Academy, for an honest conversation about caring for her husband, Dr. Robert Jordan, through Alzheimer’s disease.
Pastor Jeanette shares how she recognized early changes, navigated denial, sought a diagnosis, helped her husband transition into retirement, advocated for him in memory care, and learned practical ways to communicate with and care for a loved one living with dementia.
This episode is for family caregivers, spouses, adult children, professional caregivers, and anyone supporting someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. You’ll hear meaningful guidance on caregiver advocacy, dementia communication, hydration and feeding support, support groups, respite care, therapy, grief, and treating every person with the dignity, compassion, and respect they deserve.
One of the biggest reminders from this conversation: you do not have to know everything to begin showing up with love. Ask questions, seek support, learn what you can, and remember—you do not have to do caregiving alone.
In this episode, we discuss:
Early signs of Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline
Why loved ones and medical professionals may miss the warning signs
Navigating denial after a dementia diagnosis
How to communicate without arguing or correcting your loved one
Advocating for a spouse or parent in memory care
Why professional caregivers may not always have dementia-specific training
Supporting eating, hydration, engagement, and dignity
The importance of caregiver support groups, therapy, and respite care
Dementia caregiving in the Black community
Turning pain into purpose through advocacy and caregiver education
Learn more about Pastor Jeanette Jordan, Dementia Dignified Academy, caregiver training, virtual support groups, and her book Journey of Compassion at dignifieda.org.
If this conversation resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with a caregiver or family member who may need encouragement today. Leave a comment and tell us: What is one thing you wish you had known at the beginning of your caregiving journey?
#AlzheimersCaregiver #DementiaCare #Caregiving #FamilyCaregiver #AlzheimersAwareness #DementiaSupport #MemoryCare #CaregiverSupport #CaregiverBurnout #BlackCaregivers #ParentingUp #JSmiles
Chapters
00:00 Meet Pastor Jeanette Jordan
03:45 When Alzheimer’s Entered Her Marriage
06:16 The Early Signs: Repetition, Lost Keys & a Phone in the Fridge
08:57 When Others Began Noticing Cognitive Changes
17:10 Finding the Alzheimer’s Association and a Support Group
18:36 Getting a Definitive Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
21:03 Why Caregivers Need Education and Research
22:05 The Gap in Dementia Care Training
22:58 Advocating for a Loved One in Memory Care
26:13 Feeding, Swallowing and Hydration Support
31:20 Creating Journey of Compassion
31:46 Founding Dementia Dignified Academy
36:24 Breaking the Silence Around Alzheimer’s
38:27 Virtual Caregiver Support Groups
42:09 Finding Purpose in Pain
44:23 How to Connect With Dementia Dignified Academy
45:51 Support Groups, Breathing Exercises & Respite Care
47:24 Why Caregivers Need Therapy Too
Host: @jsmilescomedy
Producer: @MiaHallTV
Editor: @annelisetv2624
"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"
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