The Caregiver’s Path, Navigating the Journey of Aging

As I embark on year 11 of the journey with my mom, who is living with Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, I find myself reflecting on the profound experiences and lessons learned along the way. This path, while challenging, has been a source of resilience and personal growth.

My education as a Certified Senior Advisor and Certified Dementia Practitioner, combined with hands-on experience, has equipped me with the tools necessary to support others in similar situations. I often tell my fellow adult children caring for aging parents, “We are all in the boat together, rowing.”

A Passion for Advocacy

Just over two years ago, I transformed my passion for helping seniors and their families into a reality. With over 25 years in hospital administration and more than eight years overseeing operations and consulting with Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities, I launched Senior Care Consulting & Solutions.

This venture represents the culmination of my career experiences and my dedication to advocacy. I am grateful for the blessings and opportunities I have encountered and look forward to continuing this journey, assisting families and businesses with their caregiving needs.

Stories of Advocacy and Support

To illustrate the impact of my work, I want to share a story. Recently, I engaged with a family whose mom, whom I will call Ms. Ruth to maintain confidentiality, lived in western Kentucky. Her only son resided six hours away in another state. Ms. Ruth, aged 93, was living at home with dementia when she was taken to the hospital Emergency Room. She was suffering from a urinary tract infection and other clinical issues that needed attention.

Over the next six weeks, I developed a relationship with Ms. Ruth and became her advocate. I communicated with her clinical care team, including nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, case managers, social workers, and physical therapists. During this time, I advocated for changes in her care when necessary to ensure her well-being and a safe discharge from the hospital. This experience highlighted the gaps in our healthcare system, where communication and patient interest are sometimes lacking. It fueled my passion to advocate for patients who may not have local family support or anyone to oversee their care.

Supporting Families from Afar

For families living out of town or state, my company acts as a liaison, advocate, and consultant, providing peace of mind by ensuring their loved ones’ safety and well-being. We assist with housing changes or additional in-home help, coordinating and researching options to help families make informed decisions. Whether it’s home care, assisted living, memory care, or independent living, we ask the hard questions to ensure the right choice is made.

Navigating Solo Aging

Many people ask what I do as a consultant. A significant part of my role involves working with solo agers—individuals who live alone without family support. I help these individuals plan for their future, determine their needs and wishes, and develop a care plan based on their resources and financial situation. This personalized approach ensures they receive the care and support they deserve as they age.

Finding the Ideal Housing for a Parent, Grandparent, or Sibling

If it’s time to make a change for your loved one, we can assist you in researching your area and identifying the best options for consideration. How does this process work?

We begin by listening to your unique needs and wishes. We assess your financial situation and determine the appropriate level of care required. We then conduct thorough research and compile a comprehensive list of options for you to explore. Additionally, we can coordinate and participate in tours of the local region of Western Kentucky, spanning from Evansville, Indiana, to Clarksville, Tennessee, and all the cities in between, including Owensboro, Henderson, Madisonville, Providence, and Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

Furthermore, we offer these services nationwide, enabling families to access the information, education, practical advice, and guidance necessary to make an informed decision for their loved one. This allows us to provide personalized service across the entire United States.

Educating and Guiding Through Dementia

For families dealing with dementia, education and guidance are crucial. We provide insights on what to expect and how to handle challenges like short-term memory loss and repetitive questioning. Our team supports families throughout the journey, adapting to changes and planning together to better understand and manage the situation.

The caregiver journey is not one that anyone should have to navigate alone. Through advocacy, education, and support, we can ensure our loved ones receive the care and respect they deserve. As we row together in this shared boat, I am committed to empowering families and individuals, providing the guidance and compassion needed to thrive in the face of dementia.

How Do We Start?

Begin with a free 20-minute call where we learn about your situation and explore how we can help. Support can be set up by the hour, through project work, with a monthly plan for ongoing care, or at no cost for specific housing placements.