September 16, 2025
As Memory Care Director at Rock Creek Senior Living, I asked families navigating the complexities of dementia care to delve into their heartfelt experiences. Their stories are a testament to resilience, love, and the profound lessons learned along the way. The following wisdom, shared by those who have walked this path, offers insights that resonate deeply with caregivers and families alike.
Dawn Wirtz, Rock Creek family caregiver, long-distance care partner, and author of Memories Matter—a book about caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s—shared this:
“Patience and adaptability are crucial in caregiving to help keep your loved one regulated, but what I’ve learned is that some days it’s hard. As caregivers, we are human, and we are grieving our loved one at the same time as caring for them. The grief comes out at times. It’s important to meet our loved one where they are at and adapt to their abilities and interests. If sometimes we miss the mark, it’s okay—we try again tomorrow.
Because I’m a long-distance caregiver for the past year and a half, going 325 miles to my parents every other week for three days and staying with them, my dad and I have become so much closer. I’ve always been close to my mom, and I’m able to keep the two of us connected with these frequent visits. My dad and I have become a team and have formed new little traditions together. It’s been an amazing silver lining.
Look for ways to celebrate your loved one. Look for the silver linings, but also recognize the grief. Be kind to yourself and take care of yourself.”
Another family member offered a reminder: do not debate the small things. Instead, accept your loved one exactly as they are in that moment. Through caring for a loved one with dementia and supporting others, they discovered how to love more deeply—not just others, but also themselves. Their advice is simple and profound: invite acceptance into your life, and your relationships will grow with more joy and connection.
Through ”Lessons from the Journey,” we are reminded the dementia journey is both challenging and transformative. Through patience, adaptability, and unwavering love, families discover their unknown strength. I hope this has provided comfort, guidance, and solidarity to anyone facing similar challenges. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Your stories, experiences, and wisdom are invaluable – they inspire and educate us all. I hope you have enjoyed hearing the voices and lessons of our families affected by dementia.
Rock Creek Senior Living in Ankeny, IA offers senior villas, independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Mercy One Medical Center with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Briarwood Golf, The District Shopping Center, Saylorville Lake Marina, Big Creek State Park, and Ankeny Community Theater.
Rock Creek Senior Living serves and employs individuals of all faiths, regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or handicap, except as limited by state and federal law.
