What is a Dementia Doula? Caregiving For Elderly Parents Support

Finding My Way in Caregiving: Caregiving For Elderly Parents Support

When I started my business, I quickly realized there weren't any words to describe the services I wanted to offer - and that felt right. It was this total lack of support that pushed me to take action in the first place. During my own time as a dementia / Alzheimer's caregiver, I desperately needed resources and guidance that just weren't there. When caregiving for elderly parents, support is incredibly hard to find. I couldn't take time away to drive to a support group, nor did I want advice that felt disconnected from my real-life struggles. What I really wanted was to talk to someone who had been through similar challenges—someone who could give me practical, down-to-earth advice tailored to my situation. I needed a supportive person to help me deal with my worries, lighten my load, and offer strategies to prevent the constant onslaught of issues from becoming overwhelming. Instead, I found a frustrating mix of options: lists of therapists who weren’t taking new patients, support groups too far away, and social services that offered patchy help, that I usually couldn't afford.

A Personal Touch

Thinking back on these experiences, I realized that what I really needed was similar to the support I received when I hired a doula for my child's birth. This doula wasn’t just a professional, she became my trusted partner. She met with me at convenient times and had real conversations about my biggest concerns. Unlike my medical team, who often seemed rushed and distant, she took the time to learn my name, understand my story, and dive into the details of my situation. This personal touch empowered me, allowing her to help me plan for the best possible birthing experience on my own terms. I recognized that this kind of compassionate, individualized support was sorely missing in the dementia / Alzheimer's / elderly parent caregiving world.

My Mission

This is exactly what I aim to provide in my own practice as a Dementia DoulaTM. I’ve set up my services to be remote and affordable, making it easy for caregivers to get the help they need without the usual barriers of traditional caregiver support systems. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences. I make a conscious effort not to push my own agenda during our sessions; instead, I focus on understanding each client's unique situation, challenges, and dreams. I want to empower them to create their own best caregiving experiences. I genuinely believe that every caregiver deserves to be heard, understood, and supported in a way that fits their individual needs. By offering this personalized approach, I hope to fill the gap I once faced and be a source of hope and guidance for those navigating the often tricky waters of caregiving.

About The Author:

Shawnee Canjura is the owner of The Dementia Doula, a coaching service for caregivers and loved ones of people with dementia. This includes: Alzheimer's, Lewy body, Vascular, Parkinson's, Frontotemporal (FTD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). She began this work after being the full-time, unpaid caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2016. What started out as the worst experience of her life eventually became the most positive and transformative one. She offers individual and group sessions to help clients get past the headaches and the heartaches of dementia care as quickly as possible, so they can experience the joyful and meaningful moments that this experience also has to offer.