An Interview: Exploring “These Three Things – A Guide to Navigating the Dementia Journey”

Dementia caregiving is an intricate and emotionally demanding experience. Recognizing the need for practical, compassionate guidance, Lisa Jenkins, Terri Averi and Tina Opina collaborated to create These Three Things: A Guide for Navigating the Dementia Journey. This book combines professional expertise, personal experiences, and practical advice to empower caregivers and transform their journey. Here, we explore the inspiration, content, and impact of this valuable resource.

What Inspired the Creation of These Three Things?

Lisa Jenkins has always been passionate about writing, setting a goal in sixth grade to become an author. Her grandmother introduced her to serving the elderly.  Lisa would tag along when her grandmother when she volunteered at the old Presbyterian Home in Wilkinsburg, PA back in the 1970’s.  She has fond memories of donning white gloves and her shiny patent leather Mary Jane shoes as she served as the “Elevator Girl” on Sunday afternoons.  Her involvement in dementia care began unexpectedly during her freshman year in college, when a class project led her to work in an Alzheimer’s unit. This experience ignited a lifelong passion for working with dementia patients and their families that now spans over 30 years. Having previously worked with Springer Publishing as a contributing author in Dr. Peter McNabby’s book on the PACE model.  Lisa’s writing journey continued with the development of These Three Things. Together with Terri and Tina, she aimed to create a practical, engaging resource for caregivers.

Terri Averi brought her extensive teaching and training experience to the project. Her work in dementia education revealed a strong desire among caregivers for guidance and skill refinement. Inspired by the openness of staff and the need for practical support, Terri joined forces with Lisa and Tina to create a tool that serves caregivers, families, and community partners alike. Terri’s caregiving journey was deeply influenced by her family. As the only granddaughter in a large Italian family, she was close to her grandparents. Later, her father’s vascular dementia and the challenges her mother faced as his caregiver further inspired her work.

At Community LIFE, Tina Opina works with caregivers to offer support and education on dementia, and she had a desire to reach more caregivers.  Caregivers need the basics and tips that are user friendly and work in their busy lives.  Recognizing that life is full of balance and stress, the book is a quick resource for caregivers. 

Why Focus on Three Things?

The book’s structure emerged naturally during brainstorming sessions among the three co-authors. The “three things” framework mirrors their collaboration while providing manageable, actionable advice. Each chapter distills complex caregiving scenarios into three practical steps, fostering creativity and critical thinking in caregivers.

The guidance in These Three Things is grounded in real-life scenarios. For example, Lisa shares a favorite tip for managing a common challenge: when a loved one refuses to leave a room. Solutions include creating a distraction, such as ringing the doorbell, to gently redirect their focus. This approach demonstrates how simple, cost-effective strategies can provide immediate relief and spark innovative caregiving techniques.

The book also emphasizes caregiver well-being. Terri highlights a chapter on self-care, offering practical tips tailored to caregivers’ limited time and resources. These solutions, while straightforward, address critical needs like maintaining routines, promoting calm, and ensuring proper rest.

Tina reiterates that everyone travels the road of dementia differently, what works today may not work tomorrow and caregivers comfort levels vary.  

Who Should Read These Three Things?

The book is designed for a diverse audience, including healthcare providers, family members, and community partners. Terri, Lisa, and Tina hope to reach anyone seeking support in dementia caregiving. By addressing the “how” questions that often go unanswered in healthcare, the book equips readers with tools to navigate challenges, such as ensuring proper sleep or medication adherence.

Impact and Feedback

These Three Things has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Caregivers appreciate its user-friendly format, which balances simplicity with actionable insights. The book’s success is evident in its status as a #1 bestseller in geriatrics on Amazon and its recognition by Springer Publications. Readers describe it as well-organized and easy to implement, making it a go-to resource during challenging moments.

Advice for New Caregivers

When asked for one piece of advice for new caregivers, Lisa, Tina, and Terri emphasize the importance of patience, creativity, and self-care. Small, actionable steps can make a significant difference, both for the caregiver and their loved one.

The authors see These Three Things as part of a broader mission to support caregivers. They envision workshops, speaking engagements, and possibly additional books to expand on their work. By fostering creativity and collaboration, they aim to make dementia education accessible to all. These Three Things: A Guide for Navigating the Dementia Journey is more than a book—it’s a lifeline for caregivers. By offering practical solutions, fostering critical thinking, and emphasizing caregiver well-being, Lisa, Terri, and Tina have created a resource that resonates deeply with readers. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, a family member, or a community partner, this book provides the tools to navigate the dementia journey with confidence and compassion.

---

About the authors:

Terri Averi, Supportive Care Manager at Community LIFE

Lisa Jenkins, Behavioral Health Coordinator – Senior at Community LIFE

Tina Opina, Dementia Coordinator at Community LIFE