Caregiver Support

Our PLACE Caregiver Support Group

2nd Friday of each month, 9a - 11a at the Tellico Village Library, 300 Irene Lane, Loudon, TN

This support group is affiliated with Alzheimer’s TN., Inc., and is dedicated to providing education featuring guest speakers, fellowship, and support for those giving care to an elderly loved one. Refreshments are provided.  

*To be added to the Caregiver Support Group contact list, please email director@ourplacetn.org.

Loudon Senior Center Caregiver Support

1st Thursday of each month, 2p - 3p at the Loudon Senior Center, 901 Main Street, Loudon, TN

The Unexpected Journey of Caregivers

Diane Strever for Our PLACE

Can you believe the Holidays are upon us, and 2026 is around the corner?  Recently, I’ve been reading the book The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path. The author is Emma Heming Willis, the wife of actor Bruce Willis, who was diagnosed in 2022 with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), one form of dementia. Bruce continues to recognize his loved ones, even as his disease progresses. In her book, Emma combines her experiences and insights into caregivers’ self-care during this difficult and emotional role. She has recently given several TV interviews to discuss the unexpected journey she is navigating and how alone she felt until she reached out and asked for help. Here is a summary of this excellent book, available at the Tellico Village Library:

Making sense of the changing brain. Dementia can feel overwhelming. Learning what’s happening in the brain eases acceptance, reduces stress, and helps you plan for each day and the future. Knowing the different kinds of dementia and related behaviors helps you understand that your loved one’s actions are a result of the disease, not their heart.

Build community and connection. Caregiving takes a village, so find others on a similar journey. 

That network provides insight and information from those who have been through it. Emma feels that community and connection are some of the best parts of this experience. Let friends and family take care of you by doing your grocery shopping, giving you a day off, or calling you to check on your well-being. Seek out one of the Our PLACE Caregiver Support Groups and resources listed on the Our PLACE website.

Make time for yourself. Statistics show that caregivers die at a rate that is 63% higher than others their age who are not caregivers, and 30% of caregivers die before their loved one. This jumps to 40% for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and 70% for caregivers over 70. That’s startling, and Emma hopes her book will help caregivers understand that self-care is not optional; it is imperative.

Focus on your brain health. Good nutrition, sleep, and staying socially connected are just a few of the helpful hints in this chapter. 

Expect a range of emotions. You will have conflicting emotions, and it’s essential to recognize that this is expected as you navigate the bumps and detours on this caregiver journey. 

Reframe the journey. This is one of the most powerful messages in the book. Emma writes: “While you didn’t choose the dementia caregiving path, you can choose how to accept and reframe your experience.”

We hope you will remember Our PLACE on the National Day of Giving, December 2nd, or if you receive a letter or email asking you to become an Our PLACE Angel. Your donations support programming filled with activities and therapeutic engagement for our participants while also providing caregivers with much-needed respite, resources, education, and understanding on their unexpected journey.

Our PLACE is an independent, 501c (3) nonprofit that seeks to improve quality of life by providing a day program of social interaction, enrichment, and therapeutic activities in a safe and nurturing environment for adults living with Alzheimer's or other dementia-related diseases. Our vision, supported by you, is to provide the best independent, nonprofit adult day programs in East Tennessee.