Even medical professionals feel the weight of caregiving. In our latest Heart of the Home feature, nurse practitioner Katie Pescatello opens up about caring for her own father with vascular dementia — and shares the three documents every family needs before a crisis hits, how to advocate in the hospital without feeling intimidated, and why most caregivers don't need more information. They just need clarity.
“The Pandemic You Don’t See: It’s Here!” That is the headline Bryan Jenkins—a veteran "Town Crier" and professional newsman—gives to the silent crisis of dementia caregiving. For decades, Bryan’s career was defined by "The Hunt": chasing public policy shifts, reporting on riots, and measuring the human impact of world events. But in 2018, the story became personal.
A sudden family tragedy forced Bryan to walk away from a burgeoning business to become the primary caregiver for his dementia-stricken sister and his frail, 83-year-old mother. Facing this monumental task while battling his own progressive Multiple Sclerosis, Bryan didn’t just survive; he applied his journalistic toolset to navigate a failing system with "conversational butter" and a relentless curiosity for answers.
From changing diapers while balanced on a walker to finding a transformative "moment of lucidity" in a quiet bedroom, Bryan’s journey is a masterclass in resilience. His upcoming book, Surviving Dementia – Caregiver Tactics for Living, serves as a "Day-One Blueprint" for the millions of families about to be "smacked in the face" by the realities of care.
"My ego was never bigger than my love for my family... I became 'the man' for my sister and my mother. They would’ve done the same for me."
Read how this retired newsman turned his investigative edge into a lifeline for his family, and discover his vital tactics for navigating the legal and medical minefields of dementia.
"Caregiving wasn’t something I set out to do—it grew naturally out of love, responsibility, and presence." For Leon, a psychotherapist with a doctorate in counselor education, the transition from clinician to "night caregiver" began in January 2025. After his partner suffered a traumatic fall that unmasked a diagnosis of Dementia, Leon’s life shifted from the office to the home. In this installment of our Heart of the Home series, Leon shares his journey of navigating "quiet fatigue," family friction, and the profound power of vulnerability.
In this Heart of the Home Series, we share the story of Esthela and her 95‑year‑old mother — two women who share the same name and now share the same journey through dementia, caregiving, and unconditional love. Their bond, their resilience, and their honesty reveal what family caregiving really looks like behind closed doors. At Enhdme, we honor caregivers like Esthela who show up every day with strength, sacrifice, and heart.
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