Episode 57

5 Powerful Self-Care Practices for Dementia Caregivers | with Laura Vaillancourt

Published on: 17th September, 2025

In this heartfelt episode, Laura Vaillancourt offers five powerful, research-backed self-care practices for dementia caregivers who are feeling stretched thin. These small, meaningful shifts are designed to help you nurture your mind, body, and spirit — without adding more to your already full plate.

If you’ve ever wondered, “But what does self-care actually look like when I’m caring for someone 24/7?” — this episode is for you.

📌 Topics Discussed:

  • Why “take care of yourself” can feel impossible for caregivers
  • The difference between busy and truly connected
  • How embracing uncertainty can reduce stress and open possibilities
  • The surprising link between curiosity and lowering stress
  • How to experience authentic gratitude (not forced positivity)
  • Why movement — not “exercise” — boosts energy and resilience
  • Simple ways to integrate self-care without adding overwhelm

⏱️ Timestamps (Approximate):


00:00 — Introduction: Why self-care feels impossible in caregiving


04:10 — Practice #1: Connection


10:15 — Practice #2: Embrace the unknown


17:30 — Practice #3: Invite curiosity


23:20 — Practice #4: Gratitude


32:00 — Practice #5: Movement


39:45 — How to access Laura’s free 10-step self-care journal


💡 Key Takeaways:

  • Self-care isn’t about adding more tasks — it’s about noticing what truly nourishes you.
  • Quality of connection matters more than quantity.
  • Curiosity and stress can’t coexist — curiosity helps unlock creativity and calm.
  • Gratitude works when you feel it, not just when you list it.
  • Movement moves energy, restores vitality, and doesn’t have to be complicated.


📚 Resources Mentioned:

Free 10-Step Self-Care Journal: Email hello@lifeonrepeatpodcast.com to get your download sent right to you!


🌿 Connect with Laura Vaillancourt & the Life on Repeat Podcast:

Instagram: @lifeonrepeat.podcast

Facebook: Life on Repeat Podcast

Website: lifeonrepeatpodcast.com

Email: hello@lifeonrepeatpodcast.com


Caring for yourself is one of the most loving things you can do — for you and for the person you care for. 💙

If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another caregiver who could use a little extra support today.

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About the Podcast

Life on Repeat: A Dementia Caregiver Podcast
A Podcast for Dementia Caregivers
Life on Repeat is the podcast for dementia caregivers who need a breath, a laugh, and a lifeline.

Hosted by eldercare consultant and dementia coach Laura Vaillancourt, each episode offers practical tools, expert insights, and honest conversations to help you navigate the caregiving journey with more clarity and less overwhelm.

Whether you're a spouse, adult child, or long-distance caregiver, this show is your companion through the complex world of dementia care—offering wisdom, validation, and encouragement every step of the way.

You’re not alone. You’re doing better than you think. And this podcast is here to walk beside you.

About your host

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Laura Vaillancourt

Laura has a unique perspective of dementia. She grew up spending time in the nursing home wing of the hospital her mother worked at in a rural community in the Pacific Northwest. She learned from a young age the importance and impact that connecting with those that have memory impairment can have. This early exposure shaped her perspective and fostered her passion and love of working with those who experience and live with dementia.

Laura is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Geriatric Mental Health Specialist and Eldercare Coach. She owns a group practice that specializes in serving the aging population and she has extensive experience as a consultant providing counseling, coaching and care management to families that are in the midst of making difficult decisions related to their loved one’s care and health transitions.

Laura's passion and professional experience has been working with individuals and family members that have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. She is a passionate speaker and educator on topics related to dementia and caregiving. She is the host of Life on Repeat: a Dementia Caregiver Podcast.