The Art of Redirecting: A Caregiver’s Superpower

Alzheimer’s can make yesterday disappear, but it can also make love get very specific, very fast. I’m talking with Dan Phillips from the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and his story hits on every level: a grandmother diagnosed, a career pivot into advocacy, and then the brutal reality that multiple people he loves are living with the disease. We keep it real about what families actually face, including denial, confusion, and those moments when you realize you’re hearing heartbreaking news for the “first time” over and over again. We break down what “redirecting” really means in dementia caregiving and why picking your battles isn’t giving up, it’s protecting someone’s nervous system. Dan shares how humor can be a lifeline, from a perfectly timed joke to what we call the “lie of love,” the kind, creative story that calms fear when the truth would only reopen the wound. We also talk caregiver stress, why caregivers can go down first, and why getting help doesn’t mean you love your person any less. Sometimes it’s the only way to get back to mother-daughter time instead of patient-caregiver time. Then we zoom out to hope and action: early warning signs people miss, why early diagnosis matters more than ever, and how Alzheimer’s research is changing fast, including biomarker blood tests and treatments that can slow progression for some. Dan also explains the Alzheimer’s Association’s Do What You Love program, where dinner parties, pickleball, golf, church cookouts, and community events turn into funding for research, care, and support. If this conversation makes you feel seen, share it with someone who’s carrying this quietly. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what part of caregiving you want to hear about next. Support the show *"*Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"** IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingup FB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingup YT: https://www.youtube.com/@parentingup TEXT  'PODCAST"  to  +1 404 737 1449  - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi! Be sure to leave us a review!