When Caregiving Shifts: Walking With My Mother After Dementia

My mother and me

Now, a new chapter begins. My mother is moving into my home with my husband and me. Together, we are navigating the delicate balance between grief and healing, while also adjusting to the new rhythms of living under the same roof.

The Quiet Weight of Caregiving

Caring for a loved one with dementia is often unseen by the world. It’s late nights, endless decisions, and the heartbreak of watching someone you love slowly change. My mother gave her whole self to this role.

When that chapter ended, it brought not only sorrow but also a sense of disorientation. Many caregivers find themselves asking: Who am I without this role? How do I begin again?

Embracing the Transition

As my mother joins our household, I am reminded that transitions are never just about physical space—they are about emotional space too. We are finding new ways to:

• Acknowledge grief while also making room for joy.

• Redefine family roles, recognizing that my mother now deserves care and support of her own.

• Create healthy boundaries, so love and respect flourish without anyone losing themselves in the process.

What We Carry Forward

While dementia steals memories and independence, it also teaches profound lessons: patience, compassion, and the importance of presence. Those lessons now guide us as we care for one another.

This new chapter is not without challenges. There are moments of frustration and days when emotions feel heavy. But there are also moments of laughter, shared meals, and a renewed closeness that reminds us why family matters.

To Others on This Journey

If you are stepping into caregiving—or supporting a parent who has lived that role—know that your feelings are real and valid. Grief and relief can coexist. It’s okay to lean on others. It’s okay to set boundaries. And it’s okay to seek joy in the middle of the hard days.

Our homes can be more than places of responsibility. They can also be sanctuaries for restoration, connection, and healing.

My Grandmother

🌿 At Dukette Wellness Solutions, we believe wellness is not only about the individual but about the family as a whole. If you or someone you love is navigating caregiving, grief, or major life transitions, know that you don’t have to walk that road alone. Healing begins with support, and we are here to walk alongside you.