Work With Me

“WAYFINDING: A Path of hope and self-advocacy on the journey of dementia.”

It is human nature to get disoriented and lost in unfamiliar territory. Our navigational skills feel threatened and uncertain in terrain where we do not recognize landmarks. Dementia and the fear of dementia is one such territory. But it does not have to be a journey of shadows, darkness or despair, it can be one of hope and beauty. I can guide you on the path of self-advocacy and control. Becoming fixed with indecision of what direction to take next is natural but with a good plan and me as your companion and coach you will regain your foothold on a path of dignity and respect.

image on Skoog Dementia Support website of a wooden boardwalk amongst the autumn trees to indicate the curvy path of dementia care

Paths to Success with Dementia

  1. Are you someone experiencing dementia or fearful of the risks of dementia? Click here.

  2. Are you a family, friend, coworker of someone experiencing dementia? Click here.

  3. Are you a community organization or business interested in being dementia supportive? Click here.

Additional options: consultation, coaching, care management. Click here.

image of two hands holding a map of the forest, with trees and leaves in the background

You Are Here: the Path for those experiencing dementia or concerned about the risks.

This offer is for you if you are experiencing early signs of dementia with or without an official diagnosis and you believe in being proactive, you want to control the journey of dementia with dignity, respect and hope; and you want to design a plan of care that highlights your strengths making sure your preferences are met, even when you are no longer able to express those plans .

This offer is for you and your loved ones, if they are receptive to walking this journey with you.

When you work with me, we will:

Identify  where you are right now on your dementia journey so we can create the right plan for you.

Bust myths about dementia. Chances are you’ve been looking at it all wrong, because the traditional model primarily focuses on what is lost rather than what is retained for those of us who experience dementia. When you no longer look at dementia as a suffering to be overcome, but a condition that we can accomodate, you can calmly and intentionally move forward in your journey.

Learn what dementia truly is and what you need as the condition progresses to experience well-being, security and control to  preserve your expectations of care, manage emotional and relational conflict and decrease financial strain.. When you are clear on what security and dignity mean to you, you no longer fear the unknown, but instead embrace each step as it happens. Providing a roadmap for those with you to follow. 

Create a plan of care and support that gives you a voice and sense of control as your condition progresses, honors your dignity, and keeps your strengths, security and well-being at the center of focus. 

  1. We’ll identify skills you will retain even as dementia progresses and how to maximize those to support care partners and create a companionable environment. 

  2. We’ll look at the legal, medical, and financial impacts of dementia and “get your affairs in order” at each landmark.

  3. We’ll assemble a team of partners for your journey so you never have to wonder who will be there for you.

  4. We’ll discuss and plan your living option preferences as dementia progresses, so that you can maintain a sense of security in knowing  you’ll be supported  in an environment providing dignity at each step

image of lower legs and feet of a person wearing hiking boots while walking across a log

You Are Here: The Path for Caregivers

This offer is for you if you have a family member with dementia and you believe in being proactive in planning their care, rather than waiting for a crisis to occur.

This offer is for you, your loved one with dementia, and other caretakers, if they are receptive to walking this journey with you.

When you work with me, we will:

Bust myths about dementia. Chances are you’ve been looking at it all wrong, because the traditional model primarily focuses on what is lost rather than what is retained for those of us who experience dementia. When you no longer look at dementia as a suffering to be overcome, but a condition that we can accomodate, you can calmly and intentionally move forward in your journey.

Learn what dementia truly is and what your loved one needs to experience security, well-being, and preserve their dignity as the condition progresses. When you are clear on what security and dignity means to them, you no longer fear the unknown, but instead embrace each with companionship and joy instead of conflict and crisis.

Create a plan of care and support that minimizes stress and conflict for you and your loved one and gives you a sense of calm and confidence as you recognize skills retained and personal strengths to provide security and well-being. 

We’ll identify skills your loved one will retain even as dementia progresses and how to maximize those strengths to support care partners and create a companionable environment. 

We’ll look at the legal, medical, and financial impacts of dementia and get your loved one’s “affairs in order” for each bucket.

We’ll assemble a team of supporters for your loved one’s journey so you never have to wonder who will be there if you’re unable to care for them.

We’ll plan your loved one’s living options as the disease progresses, so that you can be confident that he or she will be cared for with dignity at each step.

image of a path leading up to a mountain, with wooden directional signage at the forefront

You Are Here: The Path for Organizations

This offer is for you if you are an organization with an interest in being supportive of your employees, clients, customers, or patients with dementia. No matter the size or location of your organization, being dementia supportive will enhance the relationships and maintain respectful connection with those you engage with who may be experiencing changes to their thinking, attention and memory skills. 

When you work with me, we will:

Create a customized presentation (or series of presentations) for your organization based on the following topics:

  1. Understanding Dementia

  2. Dementia Awareness for Inclusion and Support

  3. Gifts in Dementia and Understanding Strength-Based Support

  4. Action planning steps

  5. Ongoing Coaching and Consultation

This series of presentations can be done in-person or virtually via Zoom, based on your location, time frame, and preference. Rates will be customized for your specific needs.

Working with me to become a dementia supportive organization or business will provide those experiencing dementia in your community and their caregivers an opportunity to live and thrive longer in the environment of their choice and maintain a valued connection to the communities they have come to love and trust.  

Additional Options:

  • Consultation

    Provide compassionate listening and coaching to support assessments, needs and care. Identify resources, and develop plans and strategies that support problem-solving. Focus on individual strengths and possibilities.

  • Care Management

    Coordinate, oversee, and assess care options by identifying individualized topics and concerns associated with needs.

    Evaluate strengths and support available to assist with age-in-place care. Address security and well-being needs.

  • Coaching

    Understand the benefits of a strength-based, experiential care model of dementia support. Gain knowledge and tools to support individuals experiencing dementia to live well on the dementia journey. Learn effective strategies to care for loved ones experiencing dementia, promoting their sense of security, well-being, and dignity.