Currently, I serve in three capacities: end of life doula, dementia advocate and respite caregiver.

 

As an end of life doula, I can offer the following:

• Companion the dying and the their loved ones. Provide the opportunity and space to speak openly and frankly about dying.

• Assistance with and/or review of all advance care planning and directives.

• Assistance planning a living funeral, life celebration, traditional funeral, memorial and provide additional information about burial choices.

• Explore the meaning of the dying person’s life and legacy which may include legacy projects.

• Recommend interventions for comfort. Provide hands-on, non-medical comfort measures, such as guided imagery, breath work, Reiki and relaxation techniques.

• Incorporate traditions or create new rituals to mark special moments and support the spiritual practices of all involved.

• Assist with physical and practical care to ease the burden on caregivers and provide respite care for exhausted caregivers and family.

• Explain the signs and symptoms of the dying process and be available to sit bedside, if desired.

• Advocate and mediate to assure final wishes are honored. 

• Guide family and loved ones through the early stages of grieving.

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As a dementia advocate, I can offer the following:

• Provide emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and assistance to traverse the changes brought by the disease.

• Assistance with planning for a future that can often seem uncertain, including assistance with advance care planning and directives.

• Individualized education and training about memory loss and dementia for family, friends and/or caregivers, and what to expect as the disease progresses.

• Implement strategies for improving communication, minimizing problematic “behaviors,” and address family dynamics which may complicate the caregiving relationship.

• Provide personalized interventions for common problems of care such as issues dressing, showering, taking medicine, eating, etc.

• Cultivate an environment to maximize the diagnosed person’s independence and restore a sense of normalcy in the home to the extent possible.

• Help navigate and choose the right living option by reviewing options, and supporting interviews.

• If necessary, support a transition into memory care including meetings with staff alongside family members to clarify preferences and routines. 

• Serve as a trusted, point person in times of need when family are unavailable.

• Provide emotional support aimed at reducing caregiver stress and isolation, and increasing confidence and effectiveness.

• Assistance with navigating the grief and loss that comes from caring for someone living with dementia.

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As a respite personal care aide or caregiver, I can offer the following:

• Provide partial or supplement care, overnight assistance, and/or respite care. 

• Assist with daily needs: shopping, errands, personal hygiene, dressing, meal preparation, laundry, cleaning, etc. 

• Assist with prescribed physical, occupational and speech therapy exercises. 

• Pet care to include walks, minor grooming, cleaning of bedding and litter boxes, trips to the vet.

• Travel to and from appointments and securing in home services, as needed.

• Documentation of relevant health information.

• Serve as coordinator of care for all caregivers to assure you have consistent quality care. Assistance securing additional caregivers, as needed.

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I have experience working with clients with a variety of comorbidities including Multiple Sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s Disease, cancer, Alzheimer's Disease, and Frontotemporal Dementia. Additionally, I have supported clients through Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED).