When my mom became ill, we eventually learned she had normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition that can mimic dementia. Once doctors inserted a shunt that drained the excess fluid in her brain, she made an amazing turnaround. But there were still times when her shunt clogged, and the dementia symptoms returned in full force. From that experience, I know a little about dancing with dementia.

Caregiving is always hard, but caring for a loved one with dementia is especially challenging. However, I’ve gained insights from the many caregivers who post on Instagram. I’d like to highlight three.

Adria Thompson (belightcare) is a speech language pathologist who co-created a dementia program six years ago that is still being widely used on the East Coast. She posts the most helpful and delightful reels that cover many aspects of dementia care. In some of them, she or her husband plays a dementia patient who refuses to eat, get dressed, take medicine, get out of a car, etc. She then shows tips and tricks on how to deal with the situation without being confrontational, which only worsens matters. Adria also posts about many sponsored products she has tested and that I would know nothing about if not for her reels. I highly recommend her.

Jessica Guthrie (careercaregivingcollide) has cared for her mom with Alzheimer’s for ten years. Her mom is bedbound now and has trouble conversing. Jessica gives followers a glimpse into their lives and the total care she does. What I love most is the way Jessica honors her mother and takes such joy in even the brief moments when her mama communicates with her as she slides downhill into the Alzheimer’s pit.

Janet (shenanigans_of_karen_and_gary) cares for her mom, who has early- to mid-stage dementia. Karen (Gary is her little dog) seems to enjoy expressing her zest for life for the reels. I love to hear her sing hymns, pray over her daughter, and even explain her hot chocolate recipe. As routine chores become harder and harder and we witness her slow decline, Janet gives us permission to grieve the changes, the injustice, and still hold onto joy in the here and now despite dementia.

I’ve learned so much from these three ladies and many others on Instagram and know they strengthen me should God call on me to dance with dementia in the future.

Where there is no guidance the people fall,
But in an abundance of counselors there is victory.
Proverbs 11:14 NASB

Tracy Crump dispenses hope in her award-winning book, Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness (CrossLink Publishing, 2021). A former intensive care nurse, she cared for her parents and her mother-in-law and understands both the burdens and joys of caregiving. Her devotions have been featured in Guideposts books, The Upper Room, and many other publications, and she has contributed 22 stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul® books. She also conducts writing workshops, freelance edits, and proofreads for Farmers’ Almanac. But her most important job is Grandma to five completely unspoiled grandchildren.