Living With EOD | Early-Onset Dementia, Caregiver Overwhelm, Abandonment, Respite Care

Tonya Lynn Derrick | Biblical Mindset and Purpose Coach
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Semiweekly

This podcast was born out of obedience to God. Out of a calling to step into what He placed on my heart long before I ever felt ready. If you are caring for a husband, parent, or loved one with early-onset dementia and you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, unseen, or spiritually drained, this space was created for you. Living with EOD: Biblical Solutions for Caregiver Burnout is a faith-centered podcast for Christian women navigating the daily realities of dementia caregiving. The constant decisions. The emotional grief. The guilt for needing rest. The quiet questions you whisper to God when no one else is listening. God sees you. He has heard your prayers. And He has not abandoned you in this season. Each episode offers biblical truth, practical encouragement, and spiritual grounding to help you move from survival mode to sustained strength without losing your faith, your identity, or yourself in the process. Inside this podcast, you’ll find: Biblical encouragement rooted in Scripture Honest conversations about caregiver burnout Faith-based tools to help you renew your mind and guard your heart Gentle reminders that you are not failing you are faithfully showing up Hope-filled perspective for a season that often feels heavy and lonely You don’t have to walk this journey alone. You don’t have to carry it all in your own strength. And you were never meant to pour from an empty cup. If you’re ready to feel seen, supported, and spiritually strengthened, this podcast is for you. Welcome to Living with EOD. Where faith meets caregiving. And burnout meets biblical truth.

  1. 3d ago

    57. Early Onset Dementia Caregiving: Grieving the Life You Never Expected to Lose | Hidden Grief Series (Part 3)

    When your husband was diagnosed with Early Onset Dementia, you knew life would change. What you may not have expected was grieving the life you thought you would have. You aren't just mourning the changes in your husband. You're grieving the future you imagined, the freedom you once enjoyed, the friendships that have changed, the plans that will never happen, and sometimes even the woman you used to be. In Part 3 of The Hidden Grief Series, we're exploring the hidden losses that so many Christian wives experience while caring for a husband with Early Onset Dementia. These are the quiet griefs that often go unnoticed by everyone else but weigh heavily on your heart every single day. If you've ever felt like you've lost yourself somewhere along this caregiving journey, this episode will remind you that while your circumstances may have changed, your identity in Christ never has. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why Early Onset Dementia caregiving often brings grief far beyond the diagnosis itself • The hidden losses caregivers experience, including the loss of identity, freedom, future plans, community, and peace • Why acknowledging these losses is a healthy part of the grieving process • How God's Word reminds us that our identity is found in Christ, not in our caregiving role • Four practical, biblical steps to help you begin processing these hidden losses while holding on to hope Scripture Featured 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Your identity is found in Christ. Proverbs 16:9 – God faithfully directs our steps, even when life doesn't unfold according to our plans. John 14:27 – Jesus offers a peace that is not dependent on our circumstances. Resources Mentioned Join our free Facebook community: Living with EOD: Biblical Solutions for Caregiver Burnout https://www.facebook.com/groups/836799308440926 Subscribe to the Hope on Repeat weekly newsletter for biblical encouragement, practical caregiving strategies, and weekly support created specifically for Christian wives caring for husbands with Early Onset Dementia. https://day2daywithtonyalynn.systeme.io/newsletter If this episode encouraged you... Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a five-star review, and share this episode with another wife walking the Early Onset Dementia journey. Your review helps more Christian wives discover Living with EOD: Biblical Solutions for Caregiver Burnout and find biblical encouragement, practical caregiving wisdom, and the hope of Christ for every season. Continue the Series If you missed the first two episodes in The Hidden Grief Series, be sure to listen next: Part 1: Early Onset Dementia Caregiving: Grieving Someone Who Is Still Here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/55-early-onset-dementia-caregiving-grieving-someone/id1861310223?i=1000774169509 Part 2: How Early Onset Dementia Changes Your Marriage and Breaks Your Heart https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/56-how-early-onset-dementia-changes-your-marriage-and/id1861310223?i=1000774672978 Next week, we'll continue the series with Part 4: Trusting God When Early Onset Dementia Takes More Away, where we'll discover how to surrender each new loss to the Lord and find peace in His unchanging faithfulness. Remember, friend... You may be grieving the life you thought you would have. But God has not forgotten you. Your calling has not been canceled. Your purpose has not been diminished. And your identity has never been defined by your circumstances. It has always been, and will always be, found in Christ.

    12 min

  2. 6d ago

    56. How Early Onset Dementia Changes Your Marriage and Breaks Your Heart | Hidden Grief Series (Part 2)

    Have you ever found yourself sitting next to your husband and feeling like you've lost the relationship you once treasured even though you're still married? One of the most painful realities of Early Onset Dementia caregiving is watching your marriage change in ways you never expected. The husband who was once your best friend, teammate, confidant, and partner slowly becomes someone who depends on you for nearly everything. As the disease progresses, you may find yourself grieving the loss of your marriage long before you've said a final goodbye. In Part 2 of The Hidden Grief Series, we're talking about the heartbreak of watching your marriage change because of Early Onset Dementia. We'll explore why this grief is so profound, why feelings of loneliness and loss are a normal part of the caregiving journey, and how God faithfully walks beside us through every season of sorrow. If you've ever felt guilty for missing the marriage you once had or wondered if anyone else understands what you're experiencing, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why Early Onset Dementia changes the marriage relationship long before it ends • The hidden losses caregivers experience as roles within the marriage shift • Why loneliness can exist even when your husband is physically present • How Scripture reminds us that Christ understands grief, sorrow, and loss • Four practical, biblical ways to navigate the changing dynamics of your marriage while remaining rooted in faith Scripture Featured Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 – God's design for marriage as a partnership Isaiah 53:3 – Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, who understands grief Resources Mentioned Join our free Facebook community: Living with EOD: Biblical Solutions for Caregiver Burnout https://www.facebook.com/groups/836799308440926 Subscribe to the Hope on Repeat weekly newsletter for biblical encouragement, practical caregiving strategies, and weekly support created specifically for Christian wives caring for husbands with Early Onset Dementia. https://day2daywithtonyalynn.systeme.io/newsletter If this episode encouraged you... Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a five-star review, and share this episode with another caregiver who needs the reminder that she is not walking this journey alone. Your review helps more Christian wives discover Living with EOD: Biblical Solutions for Caregiver Burnout and find biblical hope, practical encouragement, and a community that understands the unique challenges of Early Onset Dementia caregiving. Remember, friend... Your marriage may look different than you ever imagined. But the God who joined your hearts together has not changed. He is faithful in every season, present in every loss, and His grace is sufficient for every step of this journey.

    9 min

  3. Jun 25

    55. Early Onset Dementia Caregiving: Grieving Someone Who Is Still Here | The Hidden Grief of Early Onset Dementia Series (Part 1)

    Have you ever looked at your husband and realized that although he's physically sitting beside you, so much of the man you once knew has already begun to change? If you're caring for a husband with Early Onset Dementia, you may be experiencing a type of grief that few people understand. You're mourning the loss of conversations, shared dreams, companionship, and the future you imagined—while your husband is still here. This hidden grief can leave you feeling confused, guilty, lonely, and emotionally exhausted. In Part 1 of The Hidden Grief of Early Onset Dementia Series, we're talking about the reality of grieving someone who is still living. Together, we'll explore what anticipatory grief looks like, why it's a normal part of the caregiving journey, and how God's Word reminds us that He is near to the brokenhearted. If you've ever wondered whether it's okay to grieve while continuing to care for your husband, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: • What anticipatory grief is and why so many Early Onset Dementia caregivers experience it • Why grief often begins long before death • How to recognize the hidden losses you're carrying every day • Why grief is not a sign of weak faith but a reflection of deep love • Three biblical steps to begin processing grief with God instead of carrying it alone Scripture Featured John 11:35 Psalm 34:18 Resources Mentioned Join our free Facebook community: Living with EOD: Biblical Solutions for Caregiver Burnout https://www.facebook.com/groups/836799308440926 Subscribe to the Hope on Repeat weekly newsletter for biblical encouragement, practical caregiving strategies, and weekly support. https://day2daywithtonyalynn.systeme.io/newsletter If this episode encouraged you... Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a five-star review, and share this episode with another caregiver who needs the reminder that she is not walking this journey alone. Your review helps more Christian wives caring for husbands with Early Onset Dementia discover hope, encouragement, and practical biblical support. Remember, friend... Your grief is not evidence of weak faith. It is evidence that you have loved deeply. And even in your deepest sorrow, God is near to the brokenhearted.

    11 min

  4. Jun 22

    54. The Sacred Calling of Early Onset Dementia Caregiving: Finding Purpose in the Everyday

    Do you ever feel like your days are consumed by tasks that no one notices? The appointments, medications, repeated questions, household responsibilities, parenting challenges, and endless caregiving demands can leave you wondering if what you're doing really matters. In this episode, Tonya Lynn explores the sacred calling of Early Onset Dementia caregiving and reminds Care Champions that God often works through the ordinary moments of everyday faithfulness. While the world celebrates big accomplishments, God sees every sacrifice, every act of service, and every moment you choose love over frustration. You'll discover how caregiving can become an act of worship, how God uses this journey to shape your character, and why your faithfulness today is creating a legacy that will impact generations. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, unseen, or discouraged, this episode will encourage you to shift your perspective and find purpose in the everyday moments of caregiving. In This Episode, You'll Learn: • Why God values faithfulness more than recognition • How caregiving can become an act of worship • The biblical connection between purpose and perseverance • How God uses caregiving to shape your character • Why your everyday sacrifices matter more than you realize • How your children are learning from your example of faith and love • Three practical ways to embrace your caregiving calling this week Scriptures Mentioned Luke 16:10 Colossians 3:23-24 Romans 5:3-5 Galatians 6:9 Practical Applications Look for one holy moment each day. Reframe one caregiving task as worship. Celebrate faithfulness instead of perfection. Resources Mentioned Join our Facebook Group: Living with EOD: Biblical Solutions for Caregiver Burnout https://www.facebook.com/groups/836799308440926 Subscribe to the Hope on Repeat Newsletter for weekly encouragement, practical caregiving strategies, and biblical support for your Early Onset Dementia journey. https://day2daywithtonyalynn.systeme.io/newsletter Connect With Tonya Lynn Tonya Lynn is a wife, mom, pharmacist, and dementia care champion helping Christian women navigate the unique challenges of caring for a spouse with Early Onset Dementia while raising children, working, and maintaining their faith. Through biblical encouragement, practical caregiving strategies, and a supportive community, Tonya helps caregivers move from overwhelm to clarity so they can thrive in faith, strength, and purpose. If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, share it with another caregiver, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps more caregivers discover hope and support for their journey. Remember, Care Champion: Your caregiving may feel ordinary, but in God's hands it is sacred.

    10 min

  5. Jun 18

    53. I Need It to Stop: Finding God's Peace When Life Won't Let Up in EOD Caregiving

    Are you overwhelmed by the constant demands of caregiving, motherhood, work, and everyday life? In this heartfelt episode, Tonya Lynn shares from a very real season of exhaustion and overwhelm. When it feels like one thing after another keeps piling up, it's easy to believe that peace will only come when life finally slows down. But what if God's peace isn't found in the absence of chaos? What if it's found in His presence right in the middle of it? Whether you're caring for a spouse with Early Onset Dementia, juggling children at home, working full time, or simply feeling buried beneath the mental load of life, this episode will encourage you to stop striving, surrender what you cannot control, and trust the God who walks with you through every storm. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why peace is not dependent on your circumstances • How caregivers unknowingly carry burdens God never intended them to bear • The difference between carrying today's responsibilities and carrying tomorrow's worries • Three biblical truths that can anchor you when life feels overwhelming • Practical ways to experience God's peace in the middle of caregiving chaos Scriptures Discussed: John 16:33 Isaiah 41:10 2 Corinthians 12:9 Isaiah 43:2 Matthew 6:34 Key Takeaways: • God is carrying more than you realize. • God's grace is sufficient for today. • God's presence is greater than your circumstances. • You do not have to navigate this journey alone. • Peace comes from Christ, not from perfect circumstances. Next Steps: Release one burden to God each morning. Focus on today's assignment instead of tomorrow's worries. Look for evidence of God's faithfulness each day. Resources & Community: Join our Facebook Group: Living with Early Onset Dementia: Biblical Solutions for Caregiver Burnout https://www.facebook.com/groups/836799308440926 Subscribe to the Hope on Repeat Newsletter for weekly encouragement, biblical wisdom, and practical caregiving support. https://day2daywithtonyalynn.systeme.io/newsletter If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with another caregiver who needs hope today. Remember, friend: God sees you, God is with you, and God will carry you through every season of caregiving.

    11 min

  6. Jun 15

    52. Wish You Had a Clear Mind Again? Here's How to Reset and Refocus as an EOD Caregiver

    Are you feeling mentally exhausted, distracted, and overwhelmed by the constant demands of caring for a spouse with Early Onset Dementia while raising children, working, and managing a household? You're not alone. One of the most overlooked challenges of dementia caregiving is the invisible mental load. Between appointments, medications, finances, parenting responsibilities, and the emotional weight of watching your spouse decline, it's easy to feel like your mind never gets a chance to rest. In this episode, Tonya Lynn shares three practical, biblical strategies to help you reset your mind, refocus your heart, and find peace in the middle of caregiving chaos. You'll learn how to quiet the mental noise, replace overwhelm with truth, and focus on the next faithful step God is calling you to take. If you've been longing for clarity, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose, this episode will encourage you to slow down, reconnect with God, and remember that His grace is sufficient for today. In This Episode You'll Learn: • Why the mental load of caregiving can leave you feeling distracted and exhausted • How overwhelm affects your focus and decision making • Why God is not the author of confusion but of peace • Three simple ways to reset when your mind feels scattered • How to replace anxious thoughts with biblical truth • Why focusing on today's assignment brings greater clarity and peace Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 14:33 "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace." Philippians 4:8 "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Practical Application: This week, practice a simple three-step reset whenever you feel overwhelmed: Pause and pray before reacting. Replace negative thoughts with biblical truth. Focus on the next faithful step instead of carrying tomorrow's burdens. Remember, you don't have to figure out the entire journey today. God has already provided the grace you need for this moment. Resources & Next Steps: Join our Facebook Community: Living with EOD: Biblical Solutions for Caregiver Burnout https://www.facebook.com/groups/836799308440926 Subscribe to the Hope on Repeat weekly newsletter for biblical encouragement, practical caregiving strategies, and support for Christian wives navigating Early Onset Dementia. https://day2daywithtonyalynn.systeme.io/newsletter If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps other caregivers find hope, encouragement, and practical support on their journey. Thank you for listening. Remember, Care Champion, you don't have to carry every burden all at once. Stay focused on today's assignment, trust God's provision for today, and know that He is walking beside you every step of the way.

    7 min

  7. Jun 11

    51. Caught in the Middle: Raising Kids While Caring for a Husband With Early Onset Dementia

    Are you trying to balance motherhood, marriage, work, and dementia caregiving all at the same time? If so, you're not alone. One of the unique challenges of Early Onset Dementia is that many wives are still actively raising children while caring for a husband whose needs are increasing every day. The demands can feel endless, the guilt can feel overwhelming, and the pressure to hold everything together can leave you exhausted. In this episode, Tonya Lynn shares biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for navigating the tension of caring for everyone else while trying not to lose yourself in the process. You'll discover how God meets you in the middle of the chaos and why His grace is sufficient for today's assignment. In This Episode You'll Learn: • Why you cannot be everything to everyone and why God never asked you to be • How your children are learning valuable lessons about faith, resilience, and compassion through this season • Why focusing on today's challenges instead of tomorrow's fears can bring greater peace • How God's calling on your life has not changed, even though your circumstances have • Why presence matters more than perfection in your home and family Key Scriptures: Matthew 11:28 Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Matthew 6:34 Galatians 6:9 Psalm 90:12 Practical Application: This week, challenge yourself to: • Release one unrealistic expectation • Spend ten uninterrupted minutes fully present with your child or spouse • Create a daily family win list • Pray before reacting to stressful situations • Focus on today's assignment instead of tomorrow's worries Remember: You may feel caught in the middle of everyone's needs, but you are not forgotten. God sees every sacrifice, every prayer, every tear, and every act of love. He has equipped you for this season, and He will provide the grace you need for today. Connect with Tonya Lynn Join our Facebook Community: Living with EOD: Biblical Solutions for Caregiver Burnout https://www.facebook.com/groups/836799308440926 Subscribe to the Hope on Repeat Weekly Newsletter for biblical encouragement and practical caregiving support. https://day2daywithtonyalynn.systeme.io/newsletter If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps other caregivers find hope, support, and encouragement on this journey. Share This Episode Know another wife or caregiver raising children while caring for a spouse with Early Onset Dementia? Share this episode with her today. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give another caregiver is simply reminding her that she is not alone. Until next time, Care Champion, keep showing up, keep loving well, and keep fixing your eyes on Jesus.

    11 min

  8. Jun 8

    50. When Laughter Still Lives Here: Joy in the Middle of Early-Onset Dementia

    Dementia changes so much. It changes routines, relationships, conversations, and expectations for the future. As caregivers, it's easy to become consumed with what might happen next and miss the blessings God is placing right in front of us today. In this episode, Tonya Lynn shares a powerful reminder that joy is still possible in the middle of the caregiving journey. Drawing from her own family's experiences, she discusses the importance of living in the moment, creating memories with your children, and embracing the laughter that still exists even during difficult seasons. You'll discover why your children need your presence more than your perfection, how families can grow stronger when they face challenges together, and why choosing joy is not ignoring reality but trusting God in the middle of it. If you've been feeling weighed down by the future or guilty for enjoying moments of happiness, this episode will encourage you to receive those moments as gifts from God and focus on loving well today. In This Episode You'll Learn: • Why worrying about the future steals joy from today • How being present impacts your children more than being perfect • Why laughter is a gift from God, not something to feel guilty about • How difficult seasons can strengthen family bonds • Practical ways to create meaningful memories in the middle of caregiving • What it means to love well in this season of life Scripture Mentioned: Matthew 6:34 "Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Ecclesiastes 3:4 "A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance." Practical Application: This week, challenge yourself to: • Notice one joyful moment each day • Create one simple family memory • Refocus on today's grace instead of tomorrow's worries • Allow yourself to laugh without guilt • Look for ways to love well right where God has placed you Key Takeaway: Joy and grief can coexist. Even in the middle of Early Onset Dementia, there can still be laughter around the dinner table, memories made with your children, and moments of genuine joy. God has not abandoned you in this season. His grace is available for today, and today's moments matter. Connect with Tonya Lynn Join our Facebook Community: Living with Early Onset Dementia: Biblical Solutions for Caregiver Burnout https://bit.ly/LivingWithEOD Subscribe to the Hope on Repeat Newsletter: https://day2daywithtonyalynn.systeme.io/newsletter Weekly biblical encouragement and practical caregiving support delivered straight to your inbox. Leave a Review: If this podcast has encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your review helps other Christian caregivers find hope, encouragement, and biblical support for their journey. Share This Episode Know a wife caring for a husband with Early Onset Dementia while raising children at home? Share this episode with her and remind her that even in the hard moments, joy still has a place in her story. Until next time, keep fixing your eyes on Jesus, embracing your calling, and remembering that God's grace is sufficient for today.

    11 min
See All (58)

Trailer

5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

This podcast was born out of obedience to God. Out of a calling to step into what He placed on my heart long before I ever felt ready. If you are caring for a husband, parent, or loved one with early-onset dementia and you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, unseen, or spiritually drained, this space was created for you. Living with EOD: Biblical Solutions for Caregiver Burnout is a faith-centered podcast for Christian women navigating the daily realities of dementia caregiving. The constant decisions. The emotional grief. The guilt for needing rest. The quiet questions you whisper to God when no one else is listening. God sees you. He has heard your prayers. And He has not abandoned you in this season. Each episode offers biblical truth, practical encouragement, and spiritual grounding to help you move from survival mode to sustained strength without losing your faith, your identity, or yourself in the process. Inside this podcast, you’ll find: Biblical encouragement rooted in Scripture Honest conversations about caregiver burnout Faith-based tools to help you renew your mind and guard your heart Gentle reminders that you are not failing you are faithfully showing up Hope-filled perspective for a season that often feels heavy and lonely You don’t have to walk this journey alone. You don’t have to carry it all in your own strength. And you were never meant to pour from an empty cup. If you’re ready to feel seen, supported, and spiritually strengthened, this podcast is for you. Welcome to Living with EOD. Where faith meets caregiving. And burnout meets biblical truth.

Information