I know you are likely wondering what this Dementia Family Coaching thing is all about? There are coaches out there for weight loss, business development, fitness, etc. There is power behind having others who are experts in their profession guide us and keep us accountable when the world is weighing down on us. A dementia family coach is no different. The role of a dementia coach can be defined as someone who supports both the individual and their family and care partners as they navigate major life changes, implement effective care practices, and address the quality of life for all involved. So what can I guarantee families who invest in working with The Memory Compass as their dementia family coach?
Attention & Compassion: To start you are given the 1:1 attention and time that you deserve to ask questions and receive answers. You are not rushed or told "see you back in 6 months." You are in a safe space where you are free to ask challenging questions and you will receive compassionate and well thought out answers. Although you may not be a clinician or dementia coach yourself, you will always be respected and viewed as an expert in your loved one and their care. You are a key player on their healthcare team and I cannot wait to be a part of that same team with you!
The Gift of Time: Before you found me you likely googled "dementia help", "Alzheimer's disease", "dementia treatment", or "dementia resources." The vast sea of information out there is overwhelming and quite honestly, it isn't always going to be conducive to your actual needs. No two individuals with dementia are the same. No two sets of families are the same. This will not be a one size fits all approach to your needs. With The Memory Compass coaching you are provided with individualized education and support. What does that do for you? It saves you time, energy, and builds your confidence as an equipped care partner! You don't even have to leave home or work for our sessions together! We can meet virtually and even have other family members and care partners join in who live in different states!
Guidance From an Expert in Dementia Care: With The Memory Compass you will be receiving guidance from an expert in the dementia care space. You will not be walking into a scenario with someone who attended a seminar and decided to test the waters of becoming a dementia coach. My background includes:
Master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with speciality in neuro-cognitive disorders including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia and mild cognitive impairment with 8+ years as a clinician
Certified Dementia Practitioner from the National Institute of Certified Dementia Practitioners
6.5 years experience working with the dementia population within assisted living, memory care, in-patient rehab and long term care. My clinical career has included and continues to include:
Cognitive evaluation and treatment
Speech and language evaluation and treatment
Swallowing evaluation and treatment (speech-language pathologists are essential members of a dementia care team as the disease progresses and swallowing function starts to decline)
Development and implementation of facility wide dementia staging program
Facilitation of staff in-service trainings on dementia care
Supervisory role of grad student with Capstone Project of dementia programming
Family education and planning through care conferences
2 years and counting as the owner and founder of The Memory Compass, which is currently the only mobile private practice in the state of Indiana solely focused on serving individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's and dementia.
Continued education through seminars, research, reading the latest literature, connecting with other experts in cognitive impairment, and immersing myself in all things dementia care.
Co-leader of the Central Indiana Daughterhood Circle, a community of people supporting each other in the joys and challenges of caring for aging parents, other family members and friends
Dementia Expert Panelist, Podcast Guest, Support Group speaker, and consultant
An Action Plan & Accountability: Going into your loved ones' neurologist appointment, you thought you would receive a manual or a checklist of what steps to take next. Instead, you were given a "see you in 6 months to a year" response. Doctors treat their patients to the best of their ability, but our healthcare system is poorly equipped to handle the needs of the care partner. The Memory Compass is here to help equip you with an action plan and support for the long haul. We are here to build a relationship with you as part of your care team, and the action plan will evolve with time. Our dementia family coaching services are scheduled out in advance so that we can discuss new challenges, provide you with new tools and make sure you do not get lost with everything going on. We also allow for sessions to be scheduled when you need them! We are here to keep guiding you forward.
When you invest in 1:1 dementia family coaching services you are investing in equipping yourself with how to best balance this journey and eliminating the stress from navigating resources and tools for your toolbox alone. Your invested time will be spent working closely with an expert in this space who has provided treatment to this population whether newly diagnosed or whether presenting with a more advanced cognitive decline. It is never too early or too late to start working with The Memory Compass. We cannot wait to be a part of your team!
Note: To schedule a free 15 minute consult call please click: here. To learn more about The Memory Compass please visit www.thememorycompass.com.
"Thank you so much for being an integral part of our care team in the battle against Lewy Body Dementia. I don't know where we would be without you. Words cannot express our immense gratitude! There are so very many things we don't understand, and you give clear meaning and guidance in navigating this disease. Your compassion is unsurpassed." J & M
By: Jessie Hillock M.A. CCC-SLP, CDP
Owner & Founder of The Memory Compass
Therapy | Family Coaching | Consulting
jessie@thememorycompass.com