By Pastor Jeanette B. Jordan

I am so thankful for the opportunity to come back and share updates on my journey as a caregiver for my husband, Dr. Robert Jordan, as we navigated his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. You can find more about my story here in a previous blog on the importance of caregiver support groups. In this blog, I want to focus on discussing how I turned my pain into purpose and my grief into grace to help others navigate this BOAD (beast of a disease).

Continuing to Live My Purpose

Educating and supporting those who navigate Alzheimer’s continues to be my life’s advocacy! This year, I was honored with the Alzheimer’s Caregiver of the Year Award from the Alzheimer’s Association of Illinois. I continue to be inspired by the legacy of my husband, the esteemed Dr. Robert A. Jordan, MD. My endeavors have flourished, and I’m humbled by the outpouring of support and love as I advocate for respect, dignity, honor, and love for those living with dementia. 

I Am an Author!

While caring for my husband, I felt God’s calling to write a book. When my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s,  I had very little guidance or direction on how to navigate something so difficult and life-altering. My book, Journey of Compassion, is a collection of anecdotes and lessons that I felt a divine calling from God to share with others. 

Here’s a delightful excerpt from my book that captures a fond memory from my caregiving journey. Despite the challenges, there were also moments of laughter and joy!

“I looked out the kitchen window and saw Bob exiting the police car.  Both officers had a big smile on their face, and one uttered, “  Here he is safe and sound!”   Bob was not dressed to impress; he wore his pajamas, housecoat, dress shoes, cowboy hat, and that famous yellow scarf!”

If you email us at dignified@dementiada.org, we will send you instructions on how to obtain my book. 

Dementia Dignified Academy

One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned is the importance of treating people with dementia with love and respect. In caring for my husband, I learned that it is crucial to focus on the person, not the diagnosis. My husband is always addressed as Dr. Jordan, even after his diagnosis. When he would get dressed for work, not realizing that he had retired, I would simply tell him that the office was closed that day. Being a doctor was still at his core, and no diagnosis will ever change that!

This inspired me to create the Dementia Dignified Academy, a comprehensive six-hour course designed for caregivers, medical professionals, or anyone else who would benefit. The course covers techniques for providing compassionate care and creating a supportive environment. At the end of the course, attendees become “dementia connection specialists”, equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide the best specialized care for individuals with dementia. This course is also eligible for CEU Clinical Education Units for medical professionals and can be offered virtually and in person. 

This program is truly close to my heart! You can learn more about it at our website: https://www.dementiada.org/. 

Continued Education and Advocacy 

For years, I was in denial about my husband’s Alzheimer’s. Not my husband, one of Chicago’s finest pediatricians, a pillar of our community, the father to our five children. I just could not accept it. But once I did, I could start my journey to becoming the care partner he deserved.

This trial led me to create a program that helps family members identify signs of Alzheimer’s early on. My business partner and I go out to senior communities to empower people with information on the early signs of the disease and teach people how to be a lifeline to their loved ones and care for them with the respect, dignity, and decency they deserve. It is an interactive, informative presentation that we are very proud of! 

Our next training will be Thursday, November 14, and Friday, November 15, for 3 hours each evening from 6 pm until 9 pm CST, for a total of 6 hours.  For information on how to register for this training or future sessions and to inquire about bringing this presentation to your local community, email me at  dignified@dementiada.org.

Caregivers Support Group 

I continue to co-host a virtual support group, Women and Men of Faith Caregiver Support Group, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. The intent of this group continues to be to support caregivers. Although this group started in Chicago, the group has participants from all across the world!

Please join us on the fourth Saturday of every month. To receive an invitation to the meetings, please email Womenoffaith007@gmail.com.  

Alzheimer Advocacy in the Church

I continue to be a strong advocate for making churches more dementia friendly! My church, Journey to the Cross Ministries, is starting a virtual worship service on October 6, 2024, catering to caregivers who cannot get to the church building because they are caring for a loved one living with dementia or for those who are sick and shut-in or medical professionals who may find it difficult to attend church in person. We designed our virtual worship service specifically for those who are living with dementia by making the service shorter and including familiar songs and scriptures that may nudge their memory. The purpose of this service is to be a beacon of light and encouragement for those on this journey.  

We are our brothers and sisters’ keepers!  Keep in touch as to the time of these services through our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JTTCMINISTRIES.

The Alter Program

As I continue my advocacy for dementia-friendly churches, I have partnered with the Alter Program, which was founded by Dr.Fayron Epps out of Atlanta, Georgia. This program partners with faith communities to become more dementia friendly. A dementia-friendly church is a place where individuals with dementia and their caregivers can feel welcomed, understood, and supported. I am happy to partner with an organization that does amazing, impactful work. They also provide a wealth of dementia resources and support programs. To learn more about this program, go to their website at https://alterdementia.com/.

Final Thoughts

As I look back on my journey, I am blessed! God brought me through the storm so that I can help so many others. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, and at some point, the journey will end. But as God has taught me on my journey, you can still do it with a sense of joy and purpose.

Learn to step into their world. Embrace mismatched clothing when they dress themselves. Cherish the moments when they talk about a family member who has passed as if they were still here. Learn that it is okay to tell therapeutic lies if it calms their anxiety or aggressions; God understands.  These are the moments that will stay with you, making the journey less rugged and more meaningful.

Most importantly, never give up your right to care for your loved one with the dignity and honor they deserve. The best way you can honor them is by being present. And when they no longer remember you, the ultimate gift is for you to remember them. 

You are not alone. So much love, support, and resources are available to help you on this journey! Unlike when I started, my team and I are here to help you. We wholeheartedly believe we are our brothers and sisters’ keepers!