Episode Overview:In this episode, Laura sits down with licensed mental health counselor Laurie Thompson to explore the emotional toll of “challenging behaviors” in dementia care. This episode centers the caregiver—what you experience, what you need, and how to protect your own well-being while supporting a loved one. Meet Laurie Thompson:Laurie Thompson is a licensed mental health counselor, dementia connection specialist, and certified sexual and intimacy wellness practitioner. With over a decade of experience working with families, care staff, and individuals in memory care, Laurie takes a holistic, individualized approach to helping both care receivers and caregivers navigate dementia-related challenges.⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):00:00 – Introduction01:55 – Meet Laurie Thompson & her background06:20 – What are “challenging behaviors”?11:10 – All behavior is communication15:30 – Low, medium & high-risk behavior examples24:40 – The emotional impact on caregivers30:15 – Recognizing burnout36:30 – Real-world self-care strategies44:00 – When caregiving becomes unsafe50:50 – Reframing guilt and walking away55:00 – Final encouragement for caregivers Topics Discussed:Understanding “challenging behaviors”Why behavior = communicationRisk levels of behaviors (low, medium, high)How stress impacts your ability to respondCaregiver burnout warning signsWhat to do when caregiving becomes unsafeTiny & medium-sized self-care ideasWhy caregivers must be supported Key Takeaways:All behavior is communication—get curious, not reactive.Caregivers often experience burnout before they recognize it.Self-care isn’t optional—it’s essential to keep the whole system going.Small shifts like journaling or breathwork can have a big impact.Your energy affects the entire caregiving dynamic.It’s okay to call for help. Safety matters—for everyone. Resources Mentioned:Dementia Connection Specialist CertificationADLs (Activities of Daily Living)Caregiver safety planningHabit stacking, grounding techniques Connect with Laurie Thompson:Contact the Life on Repeat Podcast team for more info. Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:Website: https://lifeonrepeatpodcast.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/lifeonrepeatpodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/lifeonrepeatpodcastYouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeonRepeatPodcast✨ Like this episode? Please like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear it. You’re not alone.