When Love Meets Memory Loss: Caregiver Support for Partners Navigating Dementia

Guest Post By: Jaden L Morga

A Love Story That’s Still Unfolding

I’ve watched my grandmother, I call her Nanay, which means “Mom” in Tagalog , care for my grandfather for years. First after his stroke, and now as they begin to navigate his early onset dementia. He’s still himself in many ways. He still tells his chicken farm stories, still laughs at her jokes, still offers his quiet companionship. But he’s in a wheelchair now, and he relies on her for almost everything. The roles between them have shifted, she’s no longer just his partner, she’s his caregiver.

Their love has changed too. It’s quieter now. More intentional. Less about shared memories, and more about how they show up for each other in the present. Watching them has taught me that love doesn’t fade with memory loss. It adapts. It deepens. It becomes something even more tender.

I’ve seen other members of my family walk through dementia too. I know it’s hard. Some days are really hard. And we’re not alone in that. In fact, 83% of the help provided to older adults in the U.S. comes from family members, friends, or other unpaid caregivers. That’s not just support, it’s love in action, often sustained over years without recognition or rest.

When Your Role Starts to Change

If you’re a partner walking this path, you might feel it too, that subtle shift from spouse to caregiver. It doesn’t happen all at once. It creeps in through small things: helping with appointments, repeating reminders, noticing moments of confusion that weren’t there before.

You’re still in love. But now you’re also responsible in new ways. And that can feel heavy, even if you carry it with grace.

It’s Okay to Feel Everything

Let’s be honest: this is hard. You might feel grief, even though your partner is still here. You might feel guilt for needing a break, or frustration when things don’t go smoothly. You might feel lonely, even when you’re sitting right next to the person you love.

All of that is okay. You’re not failing. You’re human. And you’re doing something incredibly brave loving someone through change.

Love Looks Different, But It’s Still Love

Maybe your partner forgets the name of the restaurant where you had your first date. But they still reach for your hand when you walk. Maybe they repeat the same story three times. But they still light up when you laugh.

These moments matter. They’re proof that connection is still possible. That love is still alive, just wearing a different shape.

Real Support for the Partner Behind the Care

I wish I can say one of the most powerful things Nanay (my grandmother) taught me is that asking for help isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom. It’s love in action. But the truth is, she doesn’t ask for help. She carries everything quietly, with grace and grit. And I’ve seen how that takes a toll physically, emotionally, even spiritually.

Watching her has shown me just how much caregivers give, often without asking for anything in return. It’s made me realize how important it is to have support not just for the person living with dementia, but for the partner walking beside them.

That’s where Simon Care Management comes in. They provide structure when things feel chaotic, help families stay organized, and make sure nothing important slips through the cracks  from appointments and medications to safety and daily routines. It’s real support for the real challenges of dementia.

Simon Care Management helps couples find clarity and support every step of the way. Learn how Simon Care Management supports partners caring for loved ones with dementia.

Whether you’re just beginning this journey or already deep in it, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Download the Simon App or Join our community of Simon App Testers.