In this episode of Caregiver Conversations, hosts Kristie King and Antonia Harbin-Lamb speak with Jim Manje, founder of Dementia Friendly Services (formerly Dementia Friendly Saline). Jim shares his deeply personal journey as a caregiver for his wife during her 17-year battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s and how that experience led him to create a program supporting others on similar paths. The conversation dives into the emotional, social, and financial challenges of caregiving, the stigma surrounding dementia, and the importance of community support. Jim also discusses how initiatives like Memory Cafes, Dementia-Friendly Movie Programs, and Caregiver Companion programs bring connection, joy, and dignity back into caregivers’ lives.
Hosts: Kristie King and Antonia Harbin-Lamb
Understanding the dementia journey and early-onset Alzheimer’s
Navigating denial, stigma, and caregiver isolation
The importance of dementia education in communities
How to support caregivers through awareness and compassion
The mission and growth of Dementia Friendly Services
Innovative programs like Memory Cafes and dementia-friendly movies
Resources Mentioned:
Dementia Friendly Services (formerly Dementia Friendly Saline)
Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative — www.semirc.org
Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan — www.nlsmichigan.org