America’s Dementia Care Crisis: Gerontologist Offers a Practical Playbook for Families

      

By Dr. Macie P. Smith

COLUMBIA, S.C., Feb. 16, 2026 — As the population ages, caregiving is becoming a multigenerational strain, emotionally, financially and physically. But there is help — and hope. The Complete Dementia Caregiver’s Guide: Expert Strategies for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care, from gerontologist and award-winning dementia care expert Dr. Macie P. Smith, addresses burnout, boundaries, guilt and grief alongside the daily realities of dementia care. “Caregiving is one of the most challenging yet rewarding responsibilities you can undertake,” Smith said. “And caring for someone with dementia requires knowledge, patience and tremendous strength.” As an experienced gerontologist and a former caregiver for her own grandmother, Smith has dedicated her career to helping families navigate the complex world of dementia care. Through her experience, she has learned that caregiving isn't just about love and good intentions — it requires specific skills, strategies and understanding of the disease process. And, Smith says, caregiving should be recognized as real, essential labor. Concise (at just over 120 pages) and also available in Audible format for busy caregivers, The Complete Dementia Caregiver’s Guide is grounded in proven approaches but written in jargon-free, compassionate language. Smith covers everything from understanding disease progression to nutritional and eating challenges, medical vs. non-medical care, and learning how family members can actually get paid for providing care. “Most importantly, this book will help readers understand that caregiving is a legitimate profession that deserves recognition, compensation and proper training. You’re not just ‘helping out’ — you’re providing essential healthcare services that make a real difference in someone's life,” Smith said. Caregivers often feel unseen, unheard and unsupported. This book gives them language and validation, plus tools that evolve from early diagnosis through late-stage care, meeting families where they are. “Let’s begin this journey together, armed with knowledge and practical strategies that will help you provide the best possible care for your loved one while also taking care of yourself,” Smith added. The Complete Dementia Caregiver’s Guide: Expert Strategies for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care Release Date: Jan. 12, 2026 ISBN-13: 979-8243715294 Available from https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Dementia-Caregivers-Guide-Strategies/dp/B0GGQDZFKM/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 About the Author Dr. Macie P. Smith has over 26 years of expertise as a licensed social worker and gerontologist, dedicated to serving aging and vulnerable populations alongside their family caregivers. At the helm of Diversified Training Consultants Group, Smith spearheads a dynamic Geriatric Care Management company committed to enhancing education and training standards for both healthcare professionals and family caregivers. She is also the author of A Dementia Caregiver Called to Action, a comprehensive resource that addresses common questions and offers invaluable insights throughout the caregiving journey. Smith is an HBCU alum with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from South Carolina State University, where she now serves as vice chair of the Board of Trustees. She earned her Doctor of Education degree from Nova Southeastern University. For more information, please visit https://www.drmaciesmith.com [3], or connect with her on Instagram (drmaciep), Facebook (drmaciepsmith) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmaciep) [4].