About Ann
Coach for Dementia Caregivers
I believe that dementia caregiver coaching opens the possibility for creating a caregiving journey that works for you.
SHARING MY STORY
My Caregiving Journey
A few years after starting my business, in 2000, I began my caregiving journey by helping my father care for my mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 62.
The diagnosis brought emotions of disbelief and sadness. I wondered what was in front of us.
I was afraid of losing my mother…my kind, giving and gentle mother, who gave so much to her five children, husband, grandchildren, and community was headed into a difficult time of her life.
As a caregiver, months passed and stress grew. Finding my way with each new change dementia brought was challenging.
Ensuring my mother was content and safe was a priority
I enjoyed spending time with my mother, yet it was at times exhausting. The demands of my job were high as were those of caregiving.
And the emotions, well they were like a tidal wave hitting me hard. I regularly felt frustration, anger, loss, grief, and more.
I figured out that finding a way through caregiving and continuing to live my life was critical to my mother’s and my well-being.
So the journey began . . . .
Creating Your Choices
People may question the significance of intentionally planning their caregiving journey and / or seeking support for the multitude of concerns that come your way throughout caregiving.
Often heard is, “What’s the point?” or, “I’m in this alone.”
I offer another perspective.
What is your objective?
The caregiving situation may have been uninvited.
How will the caregiving experience look for you?
Reach out. You Are Not Alone!
the turning point
Finding My Way
I created a vision for my caregiving journey. Then I applied strategies, practices and tools used with my business clients to my role as a caregiver.
I knew I needed a plan for my caregiving journey and I created one. I identified what I needed so I could move forward, with caregiving and my life.
Working and caregiving required consistent management, but it was better than the constant struggle.
I learned how to address and be comfortable with the changing emotions, ever present grief, and offered myself compassion.
Taking care of myself, my mom and dad brought forth greater empathy, more patience and deeper relationships.
From a challenging and painful situation, I received a gift . . . the experience of caregiving and of a more fulfilling life.
What I know for sure is that you are not alone.
What is uncertain for you right now as a caregiver?
Reach out, I am here to help.
let’s work together
Today I bring my business success together with my personal caregiving experience to coach and encourage dementia caregivers.
Working with me means you get a professional certified coach, a skilled and empathetic listener with experience in the art of reflection, generating ideas, and asking effective questions.
Together we will partner to identify what you need so you can move forward in a practical way.
I now reside in the Boise, ID area with my husband, spending time with my large family, cooking and sharing healthy meals, hiking and staying active with our two golden retrievers, Gracie and Cooper.
Curious about my credentials?
- Dementia Caregiver Coach
- PCC level ICF certified coach
- 12 years’ experience caregiving
- 25 years’ experience in executive, career and group coaching, professional development, and facilitation.
- 30 years business consulting advising emerging businesses on growth and operations.
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Incorporate my business and leadership expertise with my personal caregiving experience.
The result – helping you, as a caregiver, create a caregiving journey that works for you.
