Anxiety is often an unrelenting presence for people living with dementia, and finding ways to ease that distress remains one of the most pressing challenges for caregivers. That topic will take center stage next month at Smith Village, where resident Alice Keane will lead a discussion on anticipation anxiety during the February meeting of the Smith Village Caregiver Support Group.
The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at Smith Village, 2320 W. 113th Place in Chicago.
“For people with dementia, anxiety comes from several different sources,” Keane said. “There is a fear of being abandoned or left alone. Separation anxiety can occur even when the caregiver is present but simply out of sight.”
Keane explained that another significant contributor is the loss of the ability to plan ahead, a skill many people take for granted. As dementia progresses, individuals often struggle to process what is happening in the moment, which can create a deep unease about what might happen next.
“They lose the ability to anticipate or understand what’s coming, and that leads to a fear of the future,” Keane said. “All of this contributes to what we call ‘anticipation anxiety.’”
Keane co-leads the monthly Caregiver Support Group with Bridget Murphy, Smith Village’s life enrichment director. Both women are accredited by the national Alzheimer’s Association and regularly work with families navigating the emotional and practical realities of dementia care.
According to Keane, one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety is through consistency. “Structure and routine are vital tools,” she said. “Knowing what to expect, even in small ways, can provide a sense of safety.”
She also emphasized that people with dementia are especially attuned to the emotional signals of those around them. Caregivers, she said, often underestimate how much their own moods and reactions influence their loved ones.
“As a caregiver, you become your loved one’s memory, emotional support and navigator,” Keane said. “They feel they cannot function independently without you. That’s why it’s so important to keep your emotions in check and offer calm reassurance, even when you’re feeling stressed yourself.”
The Smith Village Caregiver Support Group meets monthly and is open to caregivers seeking practical guidance, shared experiences and emotional support as they care for loved ones with dementia.