Show Notes
Why do so many men struggle to ask for help when caring for someone living with dementia?
In this episode of The Dementia Collective, Andrew Karesa sits down with Ron Beleno, caregiver advocate and leader in the aging and dementia space, to explore the role men play in dementia caregiving and why many feel pressure to handle the responsibility alone.
Ron begins by sharing his own caregiving journey after his father was diagnosed with dementia in 2007. Over more than a decade of supporting his father, Ron experienced firsthand the emotional and practical realities of caring for a parent with dementia, and how that experience shaped the work he does today supporting caregivers across Canada.
Much of the conversation centers on the expectations many men carry when they step into caregiving roles. Ron reflects on the pressure to remain strong for the family, to manage dementia care independently, and how those expectations can make it difficult for male caregivers to ask for help or build support networks early in the journey.
Andrew and Ron also explore the idea of the care team and why dementia caregiving becomes far more sustainable when responsibility is shared. Rather than trying to manage everything alone, Ron speaks about the importance of inviting others into the journey, whether family members, friends, community supports, or what he describes as “caring community members.”
In this episode: • Why men are often underrepresented in dementia caregiving conversations • The pressure many male caregivers feel to manage dementia care alone • Why asking for help can feel difficult for men caring for a parent with dementia • The importance of building a care team early in the caregiving journey • How caregiver mindset shapes the dementia caregiving experience • The role of caring community members in dementia support networks • Why sharing responsibility can make caregiving more sustainable
Learn more at: https://www.bluebellvillage.ca https://www.ronbeleno.com https://wecanbe.ca
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Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd., or any of its employees, contractors, or team members.
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