As Dementia Awareness Week approaches on May 18th, I find myself reflecting deeply on a journey that has shaped my life, my faith, and my understanding of love and service.
For the past 10 years, I have had the privilege — and at times the heartbreak — of serving as a Caregiver for a mom, a mother-In Law, and a spouse, living with dementia. Like so many families, we have experienced the emotional roller coaster that comes with watching someone you love slowly change before your eyes.
Dementia is often called “the longest goodbye,” and for good reason.
You grieve in stages. You grieve when the diagnosis comes. You grieve when memories begin to fade. You grieve when familiar conversations disappear. And sometimes, you grieve even while your loved one is still physically present beside you.
But caregiving has also taught me something powerful: love does not disappear when memories do. I have learned that patience matters. Compassion matters. Presence matters.
Sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone living with dementia is not correction — it is comfort.
I’ve learned not to argue over forgotten names, misplaced timelines, or repeated stories. Instead, I’ve learned to enter their world with empathy and grace. I’ve learned the power of holding a hand during moments of anxiety, playing favorite music that sparks recognition, and simply sitting quietly together when words are no longer enough.
Caregiving can be exhausting emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. There are days filled with uncertainty, sadness, frustration, and helplessness. But there are also moments of unexpected joy, laughter, tenderness, and connection that remind you why love still matters so deeply.
To every caregiver reading this: Please know you are not alone.
Too often, caregivers carry silent burdens while trying to remain strong for everyone else. It’s important to remember that asking for help is not a weakness — it is wisdom.
How Family and Friends Can Support Dementia Caregivers Near and Far
Family members and friends can play an important role in supporting caregivers and loved ones living with dementia — even from a distance.
Sometimes support looks like a phone call to check in, sending an encouraging text message, preparing a meal, offering respite time, helping with errands, attending appointments, or simply listening without judgment.
For those living far away, regular video calls, cards, care packages, financial assistance, or helping coordinate resources can make a tremendous difference. Small acts of kindness and consistency remind caregivers that they do not have to carry the journey alone.
During Dementia Awareness Week, (May 18th to May 24th ), I encourage families and friends to educate themselves about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, support caregivers, and extend compassion to those navigating this difficult journey.
If you or someone you know needs support, guidance, education, or caregiving resources, help is available through organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
You can learn more at:
As for me, this cause is deeply personal. I write this not only as a leadership consultant, husband, father, and servant leader — but as someone who has walked the caregiving path firsthand.
My prayer is that we continue building communities rooted in patience, dignity, understanding, and love for those living with dementia and for the families who care for them every single day.
Because even when memories fade… love remains.
— Dr. Kenneth Robinson
14 Responses
I’ll spread this message on your behalf. Thank you for documenting what your mind, body and spirit lives through every day❤️
Kenneth
Thanks for sharing your journey! As a person who sold a drug for this disease, I have a different understanding of it from a clinical standpoint. Sadly, outsiders can’t understand what the caregiver is going through since the person seems to “look” normal on the outside. Additionally, many people will never understand the depth of what a caregiver actually experiences on a regular basis.
Stay encouraged and please keep spreading the word!
Hi Ken,
That which you shared is profound. It’s a walk of love, patience, and grace mixed with both sadness and gratitude.
Cindy
Very good message Ken as I am living the same life as you, only in the early stage. Thank you.
Clayton
Beautifully written Ken. I’m praying for your continued love, wisdom and patience.
Excellent article!
Hey Cuz – Thank you for sharing this! This was beautifully written and deeply moving. Watching you care for your mom, your mother-in-law, and now your wife over the years has been a powerful example of sacrificial love, strength, faith, and transparency. What I admire so much is that even through the challenges of caregiving, you still carry joy, celebrate good times and encourage others.
I especially appreciated your practical examples of how family and friends can support caregivers because many of us genuinely want to help but don’t always know how. Your words gave clarity, compassion, and wisdom. I honestly believe you should write a book someday because your life and experience would help so many families.
Thank you Ken, for this powerful message of love and steadiness even through difficult and challenging circumstances. We are blessed to witness the love you share with Val. God bless you both!
God bless each and every one of you angels that stayed the course regardless while watching your loved ones fade away! You’re heroes to those people and although they may not even know it, we do, we see you and thank God the world has people like you in it! You are in my prayers, all of you! The world would be a much better place if people were more like you! The ultimate sacrifice is incomprehensible because it’s a lived experience, a lonely journey that one can only know by living it. In Jesus name we pray for all those who have cared for loved ones with dementia, Alzheimer’s and mind altering cruel diseases that are not fair by any shakes of the imagination, but they remind us of how resilient humans can truly be because of your love, your sacrifice and your overwhelming commitment to your loved ones. God bless you, each and every one of you who have found yourselves who’ve in the middle of this. There is surely a special place in heaven for you all🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼✝️💖
Thanks for your insight and clearly articulated support needed, Ken.
We love Val, and we love the way that you love and care for Val.
We are here for you. ♡♡♡
my brother from another mother, this is an outstanding observation, understanding demonstration of what you’re going through. I enjoy reading and reflecting on it while sitting in my helmet reading it. Thank you so much for sharing. I do appreciate everything you have shared.
. It is such an outstanding Read thank you
you my brother, I got a better understanding of what you’re going through. God is working on your behalf. Continue doing what you’re doing. You are a one-of-a-kind brother who take care of his family and friends. Not sure how many men can walk in your shoes you are an amazing outstanding brother. I appreciate you for sharing your testimony, God bless you bless you love you and Val. If I can be of any assistance, please let me know. perhaps I can make a phone call. And check on you all more often. Love you guys
Awesome words, thank you 🙏🏽
Please email any information about the Journey of being a caregiver for a person who has early stage dementia. She’s getting infusion now but at the moment short term memory is loss.
We all appreciate your openness and candor Dr. Ken. Sending love.