You & Me Aging and Dementia Coaching

04/09/2026

I was thinking today about something I see all the time in caregiving…

You can be surrounded by people —
and still feel deeply lonely.

Doctors.
Family.
Support teams.

And yet…
so much of what you’re carrying isn’t visible.

Because it’s happening inside of you-
the remembering, the managing, the anticipating, the holding.

Even when people check in…
they don’t always see the full weight of it. And over time, something subtle can happen:

You hold more inside.
You share less.

Not because no one cares —
but because what you’re living is hard to fully explain.

If this is where you are…
there’s nothing wrong with you.

You’re just living something that asks a lot of your heart.

🤍

A small thought for you today:

You don’t have to eliminate the loneliness.

But you can take one small step toward not carrying it alone.

Where could you let someone in…
even just a little?

• A conversation
• A walk
• A text message

… And a breif moment of honesty.

We’re not wired to carry this by ourselves —
even when it feels like we are.

04/02/2026

Where can you crack the door open… even just a little?

Not all the way.
Not everything.
Just… a small opening.

Maybe it looks like:
• inviting someone to lunch
• asking for help with the lawn or errands
• saying yes to a support group
• reaching out to a counselor, coach, or therapist
• sending a simple “can we talk?” text

You don’t have to throw the whole door open to be supported.
Sometimes healing begins with the smallest crack of light.

✨ We shared more about this in today’s new blog — Caregiver Loneliness & the Unseen Isolation. If you or someone you know needs a little love... pass it the encouragement! https://www.youandmeaging.com/blog/caregiver-loneliness-unseen-isolation

03/28/2026

Caregivers don’t just experience stress…

They experience it from three different directions.

There are 3 kinds of stress points for the body:

• Emotional — grief, worry, constant decision-making

• Physical — exhaustion, interrupted sleep, daily demands

• Chemical — inflammation, nutrition, what’s happening internally under pressure

Here’s what matters:
Most caregivers are carrying all three at once. And over time, that’s what begins to impact their health too.

But here’s something hopeful…

Research shows that if you can begin to support just two of the three, the third one will often settle on its own.

Not all at once.
But enough to feel a shift.
Some relief - which I know you need!

You don’t have to fix everything.

Just let yourself start somewhere.

03/26/2026

It usually doesn’t start with something obvious.
It starts with something… subtle.

You notice a change, but it’s easy to explain away.

“They’re just tired.”
“They’ve always been a little forgetful.”
“It’s probably stress.”

But something in you keeps noticing.

Not one big moment —
just small shifts that don’t quite add up.

This is often the very beginning.

And it can be one of the most confusing places to stand —
because nothing is clear yet.

If you’re in that space right now, you’re not overreacting.

You’re paying attention.

I see this moment with families all the time.
It's a quiet place - but an important one.

It's often where understanding begins.

03/25/2026

🌿It’s been a while since I’ve been here.
Life, work, and a season of deep change pulled me inward for a bit.

But I’m back — with a deeper understanding of what caregivers are really carrying right now.

I’ll be sharing more again — practical tools, perspective shifts, and support for those navigating care for someone they love.

For today, I’ll leave you with this-

Caregiving is not a problem to solve.
It’s a relationship to practice.

12/09/2024

Are you feeling the strain of caregiving this holiday season? 💜

👉 Download the Holiday Guide here: https://www.youandmeaging.com/pl/2148601722

Our Holiday Guide answers the most common questions caregivers have about navigating the holidays with someone living with dementia. From managing traditions to creating meaningful moments, this guide will help you approach the season with confidence.

Plus, don’t miss our January webinar for more tips and strategies to lighten your caregiving journey.

👉 Download the guide and learn more about our caregiver webinar here: https://www.youandmeaging.com/pl/2148601722

12/05/2024

Most of us learn early on that truth and honesty are highly valued virtues.

However, truth and honesty are not quite the same thing.

Being truthful means sharing factual information, while being honest involves expressing your feelings and opinions accurately.

Truth is factual—often subjective— and can sometimes lead to conflict.
Honesty is relational and emotional— and has the power to heal.

When dementia is involved, confronting your loved one with every fact may not always be in their best interest.

Stress and changes in cognition can affect their ability to process information logically, so facts might not be interpreted as you expect.

In these situations, emotions play a more prominent role, giving you an opportunity to offer meaningful support.

For example:

Truth: “It’s not safe for you to live alone; you need to move to a place where people can help you.”

Honesty: “I’m excited you’ll be living closer to me.”

Consider what you would want to hear if you were in their position.

Here’s another example:

“I want to help with your finances because I love spending time with you” is received better than...

“I’m taking over your finances because you keep giving your money away to scammers.”

When you think about it—their heart is in your hands.

So, when the truth might hurt, honesty is the best policy.

You can become your greatest masterpiece! Let us be your guide.

🔗 Share this post to support others on their caregiving journey.
✨ Visit youandmeaging.com for practical insights and expert guidance.

12/05/2024

Most of us learn early on that truth and honesty are highly valued virtues.

However, truth and honesty are not quite the same thing.

Being truthful means sharing factual information, while being honest involves expressing your feelings and opinions accurately.

Truth is factual—often subjective— and can sometimes lead to conflict.

Honesty is relational and emotional— and has the power to heal.

When dementia is involved, confronting your loved one with every fact may not always be in their best interest.

Stress and changes in cognition can affect their ability to process information logically, so facts might not be interpreted as you expect.

In these situations, emotions play a more prominent role, giving you an opportunity to offer meaningful support.

For example:

Truth: “It’s not safe for you to live alone; you need to move to a place where people can help you.”

Honesty: “I’m excited you’ll be living closer to me.”

Consider what you would want to hear if you were in their position.

Here's another example:

"I want to help with your finances because I love spending time with you" is received better than...

"I'm taking over your finances because you keep giving your money away to scammers."

When you think about it—their heart is in your hands.

So, when the truth might hurt, honesty is the best policy.

12/02/2024

🔗 Share this post to support others on their caregiving journey.
✨ Follow You and Me Aging and Dementia Coaching for practical insights and expert guidance.

11/26/2024

When all is said and done, how do you want to look back on this journey?

Hi! We're Robin Andrews Smith and Lee Mohler.

With over 30 years of combined experience in senior living and dementia care, we recognize the challenges families face when considering assisted living, particularly in the context of dementia. These challenges often include managing feelings of guilt, fear of emotional responses, waiting for agreement, and navigating complex family dynamics, among others.

The emotional weight of the transition can lead you to respond in ways that don't serve you or your loved one. That's where our coaching comes in. We focus on the emotional and relational aspects, like how you communicate, the words you choose, and your overall approach. We'll help you take a heart-centered approach, ensuring the journey is a smoother one.

Trust in our expertise during this life-changing journey and let us be your guide!

Transitioning a loved one into assisted living or memory care is more than a physical move; it's an emotional journey that deserves thoughtful attention. Our coaching will prepare you to adapt your communication, support your loved one's emotions, and make decisions with confidence.

11/22/2024

Caregiving Truth: It’s Okay to Feel This Way

Have you ever thought, "I don’t want to do this anymore"? It’s a tough thought to have, but it’s also completely normal. Caregiving is one of the hardest roles you can take on, and feeling overwhelmed or frustrated doesn’t make you a bad person—it makes you human.

Instead of pushing those feelings aside, try acknowledging them. Tell yourself, "This is hard, and it’s okay to feel this way." A little self-compassion can go a long way.

You don’t have to do this alone. Contact us today to learn how to ease the strain and support the person in your care in meaningful ways.

11/19/2024

Reminder: Family Caregiver Webinar is Today - Nov 19 - at 3 PM!

Do you feel a loss of control? Is your loved one challenging you?
Are you feeling overwhelmed?

Join us this afternoon for Feeling the Caregiver Strain and learn the #1 skill to help you navigate these challenges.

It’s practical, actionable, and something you can start using right away.

Register Now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sXPmhSMRTw-P1GG_rixcPw