Knowing where to begin is often the most challenging part of navigating the uncertainty of a dementia diagnosis. We welcomed Nicole J. Smith, a certified Senior Advisor, caregiver, and author of Diagnosis Dementia: Your Guide for Eldercare Planning and Crisis Management, to our Lunch and Learn series to share her personal story and offer practical tools for families and caregivers. Over shared sandwiches and conversation, attendees gained invaluable guidance on facing a dementia diagnosis.
Nicole J. Smith: Caregiver, Author, and Advocate
Nicole J. Smith is no stranger to the complex emotional and logistical landscape of caregiving. As a member of the “sandwich generation,” she balances raising five children while caring for three aging parents across the country. Her caregiving journey began suddenly in March 2020, when she traveled from New Jersey to accompany her mother to a neurology appointment in Los Angeles, just days before the COVID-19 shutdown. Her mother chose to remain in LA, resulting in extended isolation that rapidly accelerated her dementia. Since then, Nicole’s stepmother has been diagnosed with aphasia, and her father has undergone brain surgery for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. Through these experiences, Nicole has built an understanding of navigating eldercare across long distances. She has become a dedicated speaker and advocate for dementia awareness, combining personal experience with professional expertise to help families plan and cope.
A Conversation That Mattered
Nicole gifted copies of her book to Cheer Home Care’s team and encouraged them to share it with families in the San Diego senior care community. The conversation explored the real-life scenarios that make caregiving so daunting. From the initial shock of diagnosis to the need for legal, financial, and emotional planning, Nicole emphasized one core message: you don’t have to do it alone. Her book, Diagnosis Dementia, is a hybrid of memoir and practical guide. It offers lists of helpful resources, including books, films, podcasts, and websites, while guiding readers through the phases of eldercare and crisis planning.
Facing a Dementia Diagnosis: Where Do You Start?
Receiving a dementia diagnosis raises more questions than answers. Nicole described the common reactions family caregivers experience:
- What do I do now?
- Where do I begin?
- Who can help me figure this out?
The reality is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but there is help available. Understanding the early signs of dementia, such as memory loss, confusion, and difficulty completing familiar tasks, is an essential first step. The Alzheimer’s Association has a full list of warning signs here.
Support doesn’t just come from family; it can and should include trusted professionals. As Nicole pointed out, successful caregiving often means building a team. For many, this team consists of a qualified home care provider.
How Cheer Home Care Supports Families Facing Dementia
Cheer Home Care understands how overwhelming it can feel when someone you love is diagnosed with dementia. Our specialized dementia and Alzheimer’s care services are designed to meet your loved one where they are. Our team is trained to respond to the unique needs of individuals with memory loss. From developing personalized care plans to providing consistent emotional support, we aim to offer dependable guidance that brings peace of mind.
We also believe in the power of education and the importance of community. Our ongoing Lunch and Learn series provides a platform for meaningful conversations about caregiving, end-of-life planning, and the challenges faced by aging adults and their families.
We also offer a free Total Brain Health class and Alzheimer’s Support Group to the community, creating a space for connection and education. Visit our Events page to see the next class for the month.
Tools, Teams, and Trust
Nicole reminded us, “You can’t work the journey alone.” Whether you’re just beginning to navigate dementia care or in a caregiving role, resources like her book and compassionate care from Cheer Home Care can make all the difference.
Let’s Continue the Conversation
To learn more about Nicole J. Smith’s work or to purchase her book, visit njsmithbooks.com/blog. Stay updated on upcoming Lunch and Learn events by visiting cheer.siteassembled.com/events and following Cheer Home Care on social media.
