For nearly a decade, Veronica Shanklin has worked tirelessly as an advocate for Alzheimer’s and Dementia awareness, with a special focus on the caregivers who devote so much of themselves to supporting their loved ones.
What started as a blog in 2015 to document her own experiences in becoming a caregiver to both her mother and grandmother, Dementia Care Warriors – the 501(c)3 non-profit organization was founded by Shanklin in 2019 to provide resources and education for underserved dementia family caregivers.
In addition to running her organization, Shanklin, who holds a Masters in Arts Management from Columbia College Chicago, has been a fierce advocate for more Alzheimer’s and Dementia research funding and has met with lawmakers in both Austin, TX and Washington D.C. as part of the Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum.
N’DIGO recently caught up with Shanklin to learn more about her work with Dementia Care Warriors.
N’DIGO: What are three words family and friends would use to describe you?
Veronica Shanklin: Patient. Dependable. Funny.
Please tell us about Dementia Care Warriors and the work you do.
Dementia Care Warriors is the 501(c)3 non-profit I started in 2019 after I found myself a full-time caregiver to both my mom and grandmother. I was having difficulty finding resources for the support I needed to help me. I just couldn’t find much of anything having to do with young Black caregivers so that’s when I turned my blog into the organization to be that bridge to the vital resources and information for underserved dementia family caregivers.
What can attendees expect at your upcoming 5th Annual Revive Refresh Caregiver Brunch and Workshop?
The first thing everyone should know is this is not your typical caregiver workshop. Dare I say party with a purpose? Revive Refresh is our opportunity to pour into and love on dementia family caregivers with a family-friendly fun environment for all with a live DJ, a delicious catered brunch, engaging presentations from experts, standout breakout sessions, giveaways, and various other surprises. It truly gets better and better every year.
Are there any common misperceptions about Dementia that you come across regularly?
There are so many. One of the most common is the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, and trouble with thinking and reasoning. Dementia isn’t a specific disease but a group of symptoms that affect the brain. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. It’s a specific disease that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior and gets worse over time. Visually, you can think of dementia as an umbrella and Alzhiemer’s falls under that umbrella, along with vascular dementia, Parkinson’s, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia and over 100 others types. So, while all Alzheimer’s is dementia, not all dementia is
Alzheimer’s.
What are some of your favorite things to do whenever you come back to visit Chicago?
Chicago is actually my favorite city to visit, especially during the summer. I love dancing all night to house music at a lounge on the Southside. Visiting the lakefront is always a good time, whether it’s for a relaxing walk or just taking in the views. I always have to grab Harold’s and Italian Fiesta and a couple of other local spots on the food scene. Stopping by neighborhood festivals, especially in the summer, adds to the unique Chicago experience. And finally, reconnecting with friends over a meal or drink is always a highlight of any trip to the Chi!
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
People would be surprised to know how adventurous and spontaneous I am. I’ve taken international trips with strangers, gone skydiving, and will probably try most things at least once.
Can you name a book that changed or really impacted your life?
Atomic Habits by James Clear helped me break bad habits and build positive ones through small, consistent changes.
Best advice to caregivers?
Be intentional about everything because dementia caregiving is not for the weak. There are resources out there but you have to be intentional about finding them. No one is going to drop them at your doorstep. Education is the cheat code on this journey. Having an understanding of the disease, what to expect, how to communicate with your loved one, what resources are available, and prioritizing your self-care can be the difference between thriving and just surviving.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“Success is a journey, not a destination.”
What’s next for Veronica Shanklin and Dementia Care Warriors?
I have so many ideas and projects in mind when it comes to supporting dementia family caregivers. A short-term goal is to launch our online community next month where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and access resources. Longterm, I want Dementia Care Warriors to be known as the go-to organization for resources, support and education for dementia family caregivers nationwide and specifically in underserved communities. This would include chapters in cities across the country and partnerships with national and international businesses and organizations to educate our communities and provide the resources and support that caregivers need.
For more information on Veronica Shanklin and Dementia Care Warriors, please visit www.iamacarewarrior.org and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
