COLUMBIA, S.C. — The holiday season, while joyous, can present unique challenges for families with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Macie P. Smith, a gerontologist and licensed social worker, offers valuable advice on how to make the holidays inclusive and meaningful for everyone involved.

Dr. Smith emphasizes the importance of maintaining familiar surroundings, allowing loved ones to participate in activities they can manage, and engaging in heartfelt conversations. “When people are engaged and they feel valuable and they feel worthy, you have a better outcome,” she explains. “When someone has a condition that impairs their cognitive ability, we have to speak to the heart and the soul — and I don’t think we do that enough.”

With over 24 years of experience, Dr. Smith has dedicated her career to assisting family caregivers and their loved ones navigate the complexities of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Her new book, A Dementia Caregiver Called to Action: The Journey, provides practical tips for communication, caregiving, and finding local respite services, which can be particularly useful during the holiday season.

“As we age — and as we live we are aging — we are going to need help with some level of support or care,” Dr. Smith notes. “No one is exempt from providing care or from needing care, so being able to better understand what caregiving entails and how truly it is a blessing to be able to care for someone else … you can never put a dollar amount on it.”

Dr. Smith’s book guides readers through the stages of dementia care, from recognizing early symptoms and consulting with healthcare providers to understanding post-diagnosis expectations and exploring available care options. “Although there’s not a cure for progressive types of dementia, like Alzheimer’s, there is care — your care,” she adds. “So, here’s to getting ahead of the journey.”

Leeza Gibbons, Emmy-winning TV host and bestselling author, praises Dr. Smith’s approach: “Macie has a unique way of supporting caregivers through real-world scenarios and practical guidance. I’ve seen her make the challenge much more manageable for many at the end of their ropes. If you need a basic starting position for dementia care, this book is for you.”

About the Author

Dr. Macie P. Smith is a seasoned gerontologist and licensed social worker with over 24 years of experience. She specializes in serving aging and vulnerable populations and their family caregivers. Dr. Smith leads Diversified Training Consultants Group, a Geriatric Care Management company focused on enhancing education and training for healthcare professionals and family caregivers.

An alumna of South Carolina State University, Dr. Smith holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the institution and currently serves as vice chair of its Board of Trustees. She earned her Doctor of Education degree from Nova Southeastern University.

For more information, visit http://www.drmaciesmith.com, or follow her on Instagram (drmaciep), Facebook (drmaciepsmith), and LinkedIn (Dr. Macie P. Smith).

Amazon link: A Dementia Caregiver Called to Action: The Journey

Paperback: 59 pages

ISBN-13: 979-8879607659

Available from Amazon.com