Aging with a Plan, PLLC

01/23/2026

I recently joined Allyson Schrier from Zinnia TV for a Dementia Caregiver Education & Support Group, and we talked about:

“Can Therapy Help When Someone Has Dementia?”

Caregivers in the room asked:
• When should someone with dementia start therapy?
• Does therapy only work in the early stages?
• Should the caregiver be in the room?
• Does online therapy work for someone with dementia?

Each question reflected the same underlying concern:
“I want to help my person, but I don’t want to push too hard.”

Dementia-informed therapy doesn’t have one right timeline, format, or structure. It adapts to the person, the stage, and the moment…and often focuses less on insight and more on emotional safety, dignity, and reducing distress.

Afterward, one caregiver said, “Thank you for giving us hope, Jenna.”

That meant more to me than I can put into words.

If this topic resonates and you’d like to watch the recap from the talk, you can find it soon on Zinnia TV's YouTube channel:

Discover Zinnia TV, designed to support caregivers with therapeutic TV for dementia patients. Foster meaningful connections, support daily activities, and soothe anxiety. Subscribe at https://zinniatv.com to enjoy our complete library of over 250 videos, commercial free on your connected TV or table...

01/17/2026

01/13/2026

When I say therapy can help dementia caregivers, this is what I actually mean.

Not fixing you.

Not making caregiving easy.

And not pretending this role isn’t incredibly demanding.

It means having a place (that is just for you) to work through the constant worry, guilt, grief, frustration, and resentment that so often come with dementia caregiving. 

Without a filter and without any judgment.

It can also look like learning how to communicate more assertively, decide where to set limits without guilt, and find small, realistic ways to take care of yourself in the middle of it all.

If this post hits home, you’re not alone. And you’re not failing.

If you’re in Washington State and curious about therapy, comment “INTRO” below and I’ll send you more information.

➡ Follow for more mental health tips & support for dementia caregivers!

Website: www.agingwithaplan.org

01/05/2026

Dementia caregiving asks your nervous system to stay “on” all the time…listening, anticipating, deciding, worrying.

Over time, that overwhelm shows up as poor sleep, irritability, and feeling like you can’t fully shut your mind off.

Therapy isn’t about fixing everything.

There isn’t a cure for dementia, and we can’t magically erase your role as a caregiver.

But we can help your nervous system settle so you can rest, think more clearly, and respond instead of react.

We can also work on:
→ assertive communication skills
→ setting limits without guilt
→ finding moments of care for you

If this resonates, you’re in the right place.

Your mental health matters. 💚

👋Hi, if you’re new, I’m Jenna. I’m a licensed therapist specializing in older adults and caregivers impacted by dementia.

Stay for mental health tips, support, and guidance for dementia caregivers. 💜

Website: www.agingwithaplan.org
washingtonstate

01/02/2026

If you’re new here, welcome! And if you’ve been here a while, I’m really glad you’re here. ☺️

I’m Jenna, a licensed therapist with a background in social work and public health, specializing in supporting people living with dementia and their caregivers.

This work is personal. 

My Grandma Betty lived with Alzheimer’s for 10 years, and I saw firsthand how overwhelming and isolating caregiving can be…especially when families are given very little guidance or emotional support.

Caregivers are expected to carry so much: the stress, the decisions, the grief, the family dynamics…often without enough space to process any of it.

That’s why I opened my solo private practice: to support dementia caregivers emotionally and practically, with therapy, consultation, and education that actually fits this experience.

If you’re navigating dementia caregiving and feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to do this alone. 💜

🔗 Learn more about working with me via the link in my bio!

www.agingwithaplan.org

➡ Follow for more mental health tips & support for dementia caregivers!

12/31/2025

Snapping isn’t a personal failure.

It’s often a sign your nervous system is overwhelmed.

Dementia caregiving asks your brain and body to stay “on” all day…

repeating answers, searching for lost items, managing uncertainty… often without enough support.

The ✨pause✨ isn’t about being more patient.

It’s about giving yourself a moment to think before you respond.

Don’t forget to SAVE this! 💜

➡ Follow for more mental health tips & support for dementia caregivers!