The self-care plan from Chapter 12
Four steps Michele used to put herself back on her own list. Enter your email and it opens right here, with a printable checklist sent to your inbox.
My Self-Care Plan: How the Caregiver Learned to Take Care
“In crafting my plan, I had to rediscover myself by placing me first, instead of always putting others before me.” Michele
Identify your greatest fear.
“My greatest fear was living with dementia—alone, without anyone to care for me or the funds/resources to afford the care I'd eventually need.”
Create a plan for your greatest fear.
- Save money to stay with my children.
- Save money for assisted living, or to live in a retirement home or community.
- What is important to you?
Enjoy the moment you're in.
- What does enjoying each moment look like for you, and how should it feel?
- What detracts from your ability to enjoy the moment? Identify the roadblock(s).
Take time for yourself.
- What brings you complete joy?
- When are you happiest?
- What do you like to do?
Print the checklist version We also emailed you a copy.
Sound familiar?
If you've ever loved someone so deeply it broke you… If you've ever carried more than you thought you could bear… If you've ever wondered where God is in the middle of it all…
This book is for you.
What you'll take from it
Part memoir, part caregiver companion
Someone who's been there
A candid account of dementia, shifting family roles, difficult decisions, and grief, from a daughter who helped her mother keep her dignity, safety, and independence for as long as possible.
Faith for the hard questions
A spiritual memoir that sits honestly with God's presence in suffering, fear of the future, and what it means to keep going.
Permission to take care of you
Caring for someone you love can consume so much of your life that you lose sight of yourself. Michele shares how she found her way back.
Three generations, one thread
Meet the author
Michele Gill-Major
Michele is a daughter, mother, and educator whose life was reshaped by her mother's dementia journey. She began writing in the quiet moments of that journey, searching for understanding, strength, and God's direction. What started as personal reflection became a path toward healing and a calling to advocate for caregivers and families.
November is National Family Caregivers Month
Know someone carrying more than they let on?
A caregiver rarely asks for anything. This book tells them they're seen, and that they're allowed to take care of themselves too.
Questions
Where can I buy it?
On Amazon. Tap any "Buy on Amazon" button on this page.
Is this a faith-based book?
Yes. It's a spiritual memoir with practical wisdom, written for anyone navigating love, loss, and the unknown.
Is it only for daughters?
No. It's for caregivers of any kind, adult children worried about their own future, families trying to understand dementia, and anyone carrying more than they ever expected.
Is it a memoir or a guide?
Both. Michele's story comes first, with practical reflection woven through, including the self-care plan she built for herself.
Raising Kids, Raising Mom, Raising Me
Reframing Dementia: A Daughter's Journey Through Love, Loss & Resilience. By Michele Gill-Major.
Buy on AmazonOr start with the free self-care plan
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