“Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible”

Are you unsure about what comes next after a dementia diagnosis? Have you ever felt frustrated in your caregiving journey? Are you at wits’ end with your loved one’s ever-changing or erratic behaviour? Are you experiencing physical, mental and emotional exhaustion? What about feelings of hopelessness and loneliness? No one talks about how challenging caregiving can be, and few people are prepared about what a dementia diagnosis means for them and their loved ones.

But a dementia diagnosis does not have to mean the end of the world.

Many aspects of my caregiving journey have been harrowing, but that was until I discovered that there IS hope after a dementia diagnosis, and it lies in how care is provided, aside from gaining a deeper understanding of the disease.

As a Certified Dementia Care Specialist, I help families practice a strength-based, person-centered approach in caring for their loved ones with dementia. When families understand what their loved ones can still do, and recognize the skills that dementia does not take away, it creates a more comfortable home caregiving environment.

Many families don’t have a care plan in place for their loved one with dementia. Most doctors don’t have the luxury of time to devise a personalised care plan or to outline expectations as dementia progresses. Families are mostly left to figure out what comes next on their own, often causing much distress to themselves, as well as the person living with dementia. Above all, there is very little emotional and/or mental support for families living with dementia.

I offer several services as a Dementia Care Consultant using my combined experience, skills and learning:

DEMENTIA CARE PLAN

I assist families create  a personalized, tailor-made care plan for their loved one with dementia. Caring for dementia is not the same as caring for an aged person. Persons with dementia need a care plan in place to ensure that they continue living a life of quality for as long as possible

PERSON-CENTERED CAREGIVING

I guide family caregivers on employing a strength-based approach in caring for their loved ones, minimizing stress on both the caregiver and the person with dementia. This caregiving approach focusses on leveraging a person’s existing abilities and skills to create a harmonious, meaningful life for both the caregiver and the person with dementia

COACHING

I offer emotional support and techniques on how to reduce caregiver stress through a mental fitness coaching program. Caregivers experience emotional turmoil that can lead to depression and feelings of hopelessness and isolation. Coaching can help caregivers manage and process these emotions, find solutions for better self-care, access life priorities and look for solid solutions to challenges, among other positive advantages.

I CAN ALSO SUPPORT YOU WITH:

✓ Ideas on how to manage changed behaviours in your loved one, including strategies for sundowning symptoms

✓ Guidance on what comes next after a diagnosis (changes you can expect in your loved one as dementia progresses,managing expectations, care requirements, etc.)

✓  Advise on future planning – financial considerations, legal matters, future care plans, etc.

✓ Education about the nature of dementia, ultimately offering a more content life for you and your loved one as you continue living the dementia journey

✓ Suggestions on creating a safe and supportive environment for your loved one with dementia My aim is to support every family caregiver going through this challenging experience. You are not alone in this long and difficult journey – we are in this together!

Book for a free 15-minute consultation with me, during which we will discuss how I will be able to support you. Every situation and caregiver experience is different and will need a customized approach. During the free consultation, I may be able to offer you some easy to implement and practical recommendations to help support you immediately, or provide referrals to others who can also support you.