Five Changing Caregiving Roles / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

Five Changing Caregiving Roles / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

From The Caregiver's Journey by Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster

August 25, 2026 · 25 min · Season 3 · Episode 69

About this episode

The episode explores the changing roles of caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer's and other dementias, emphasizing the importance of love, acceptance, and presence.

"Two words have been the foundation of every decision I made across all of my caregiving roles — safe and happy. Before every choice, I would ask, does this help my loved one be safe? And does this support them being happy?" — Sue Ryan There was a moment in a doctor's office when five neurologists agreed on one word: dementia. In that moment, Sue looked at her husband Jack, squeezed his hand, and said, "I love you. We're on this journey together." What she couldn't have known at that moment was how many roles she'd be asked to take on — and how, through every single one of them, their love wouldn't disappear. It would just change shape. We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we understand how caregiving can feel all-consuming — so much so that love can get buried under the weight of daily responsibilities. In this post, we're drawing from Sue's chapter in the Caregivers Advocate Book, Volume Three: "When Caregiving Roles Change, Love Remains," to explore five distinct roles caregiving calls us into and how to show up in each one so love doesn't get lost. Underneath all five roles, two practices held…

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