A new year often brings ambitions for progress, but for caregivers of individuals with dementia, the goal can be simpler yet profoundly impactful: meeting your loved one where they are.
January offers an opportunity to practice acceptance. Whether they’re recalling the past or navigating an emotional moment, stepping into their reality—instead of trying to pull them into yours—is an act of compassion. This approach not only eases tension but also nurtures trust. Imagine starting this year with a resolution to embrace their world, finding moments of joy in the present rather than striving for what was. Meeting them where they are is a gift you can give both them and yourself.