We recently connected with Carrie Aalberts and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Carrie, thanks for joining us today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

My favorite memory from my career so far is one from the beginning of my journey years ago. I was working as a caregiver at an adult daycare center while attending college. We held a senior prom for our clients, and since there were always more women than men, I decided to dress up in a suit to help balance the dancing partners. During the event, I had the opportunity to dance with my favorite male client, an 88-year-old gentleman. As we were slow dancing, this incredible man leaned in and whispered in my ear, “You make me feel alive again.” That simple, heartfelt statement stuck will stick with me forever. To this day, I’ve never forgotten that moment or that remarkable man. It serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact we can have on others’ lives, even through seemingly small gestures. This experience early in my career helped shape my perspective on the importance of compassion and human connection in dementia caregiving and beyond.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Carrie Aalberts, and for the past almost five years, I have gone by the persona of “Dementia Darling” on social media and beyond! Dementia Darling is a safe place to find education, resources, community, encouragement, and so much more. Caregivers feel so alone on top of having the hardest job in the world, and I want to change that. I want to come together as the dementia community and trash the tragedy narrative that has become so ingrained in our society. Yes, dementia sucks, but there is still joy to be had and life to be lived. A diagnosis does not mean life is over, and I want to spread that message!

This type of work was always my destiny, but the seed was planted when my grandmother passed away with dementia when I was 13 years old. I was able to go on and study both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in gerontology and learn about dementia and caregiving throughout school and work. Every day I spent caregiving and with people living with dementia solidified the reason I’m on this earth and my passion for supporting the dementia community. I have held different titles, from caregiver, activities director, and director of an adult day center. I went into the age tech world after becoming burnt out and have gained incredible insight into what the future of care can be. I’m dedicated to educating, encouraging, and building community with and for caregivers.

Please, follow me across social media @dementiadarling or check out my website www.dementiadarling.com.
I offer a variety of services, including: speaking, training, consulting, collaborating on content, partnerships, social media campaigns and MORE!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

AUTHENTICITY is everything. I always show up as 100% myself. I do not put on a mask to fit any situation…I encourage you to BE SEEN. It is a powerful feeling to be fully proud of who you and and what you can offer the world.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Understanding your audience is key. You must change and adapt with your audience to be what they need. Be connected, be devoted, and make time for your audience. After all…it is all for them!

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dementiadarling/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Dementia-Darling-100057130793160/?paipv=0&eav=AfaheYX09rea4oN97cNwEDmgoNDLdk8fcIgI6qln2itx2AQ4fA_8ZI5eu9dvEXDA0NM&_rdr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-aalberts-bs-ms-74b868169/?trk=public_post_reshare_feed-actor-image
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcC2BOJSBASVww89z9TN53g
• Other: Listen to my podcast!
  
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gather-darlings/id1746739782