At Learn2Care, we value the voices of family caregivers who remind us that even in difficult seasons, meaningful connections can make all the difference.
We spoke with Madeline Bastida, an Alzheimer’s advocate, volunteer, and daughter caring for a father living with Alzheimer’s disease. Through her caregiving journey, Madeline has learned that while caregiving can feel overwhelming, moments of connection often become the most meaningful part of the experience.
Here is Madeline’s story, in her own words.
Hi, I’m Madeline. I’m a daughter navigating Alzheimer’s with my dad.
When this journey first started, I honestly felt lost, overwhelmed, and completely unprepared. No one really teaches you how emotional caregiving can be, especially while you’re still trying to balance work, family, marriage, your own health, and life all at the same time.
One thing I’ve learned through this journey is that connection matters, and they will never forget how you made them feel.
Some of our most meaningful moments now come from music, dancing, laughter, old memories, or giving my dad little purpose-driven activities that remind him of who he has always been.
If you’re a new caregiver, I just want you to know you don’t have to have all the answers. Take it one day at a time. Give yourself grace and don’t forget to take care of yourself, too.
Madeline Bastida works as a Complex Bodily Injury Specialist at State Farm and volunteers her time as an Alzheimer’s advocate and community outreach volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Washington State Chapter. She spends much of her free time helping families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia—raising awareness, connecting people to helpful resources, and offering support to caregivers in both English and Spanish. Because she’s cared for her own father with Alzheimer’s, Madeline brings deep compassion and understanding to every family she meets, and she’s passionate about helping others find connection, support, and hope along the way.
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