When Dementia Hits Home: Navigating Guilt, Grief & Growth

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Following on from Dementia Action Week - In this deeply personal episode of Growing Tall Poppies, Dr. Nat Green opens up about her family’s raw and emotional journey through dementia and aged care. With both her Dad and StepMum living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, Nat shares the heartbreaking reality of navigating decline, hospital stays, and the difficult transition into aged care.

She speaks honestly about the guilt of being away, the grief of losing a parent while they’re still here, and the overwhelming responsibility that comes with caring for aging parents. Through her story, Nat offers comfort and compassion for families who may be facing the same challenges.

This episode is a reminder that while dementia can take away independence, memory, and clarity—it can’t erase love. And even in the middle of heartbreak, there are lessons of resilience, connection, and post-traumatic growth.

💜 If you’ve ever felt torn between caring for loved ones and living your own life, this episode will help you feel seen, understood, and less alone.

If this episode resonates with you then I'd love for you to hit SUBSCRIBE so you can keep updated with each new episode as soon as it's released and we'd be most grateful if you would give us a RATING as well. You can also find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drnatgreen/ or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DrNatalieGreen

Intro and Outro music: Inspired Ambient by Playsound.

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be deemed or treated as psychological treatment or to replace the need for psychological treatment.