My desire to improve memory care started with my grandma.  Visiting her at a care home twenty years ago not only raised my concerns, but also my hope. Although the caregivers were kind and took good physical care of her and the other residents, the lack of personal interaction and activities left my grandma feeling lonely and anxious at the end of family visits. But, during my visits, I also saw a reason for hope because I saw each person's unique and amazing human spirit arise again and again. I was amazed by how much their brains were still able to do and how eagerly they were seeking connection and purpose even in what was a very limited social setting.

 

This inspired me to find a way to support people living with dementia in fully living life through all stages of the disease. So, I went back to school and completed a master's degree in Gerontology, specializing in dementia and care management. I've also completed training as a Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional. I have been very pleased to learn many effective ways to empower people living with dementia and their families to experience meaningful (and, at times, even joyful) connection. Unfortunately, these new approaches aren't yet widely adopted in day to day care. I hope to help change that through coaching and advocating, both with care partners and people living with dementia.

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I had the pleasure of successfully implementing many of these new care ideas as an enrichment program lead in several memory care facilities. I was lucky to share many magical moments of joy and connection with so many incredible people who continued living life in their own unique way, through all stages of dementia.  I've also walked with these same people, and their families, through some of the more difficult moments that come with dementia. Now, I want to bring these helpful care approaches to more care facilities as well as to people in their own homes.

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By offering personalized care planning and support, I hope to build a community network for people living with dementia, their family members, and their care partners.  I'm here to talk through any challenges that arise as dementia progresses, to support you with community referrals, and to answer any questions you have about dementia or care. But, most of all, I'm here to work with you to create a safe space (in person or virtually) where you can connect with others...to build a community that welcomes and embraces you, whether just within your own family and care environment or with others through this Dementia Support Community that we'll create together.

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I look forward to hearing your unique story and helping you write your best possible next chapters.

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Patty

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