I Am So Glad You Are Here!
It's so nice to meet you. I was you a while ago worried and wondering what to do and how to help my aging mom. I spent hours and asked so many experts on what to do, when to do it and how to be the best help. I wanted to become the help that I wanted and needed years ago. So many hours researching and asking people and nothing made it easy to access all of the information in one place in a positive way.
Where it started!
My parents had me when they were older. My mom, was 42 and my dad was 49. Back then that was well, old. We lost my dad to a brain tumor cancer when I was 20 which was the hardest thing in my and my families life. My mom has been single ever since and living independently until she was 86. My mom Bette, and I have always been very close. My mom is truly the best, everyone that knows her absolutely loves her.
When covid happened my husband Bryan and I saw it as an opportunity to move back “home” to Portland Oregon after living in southern California for 21 years.
We knew my mom needed more support, and moving back felt like the right decision. The pause from her usual routine—no longer driving or keeping up with her daily activities—seemed to accelerate her aging. She became more anxious about being alone and, after one day forgetting where she parked, grew reluctant to drive.
Recognizing these changes, she decided it was time to move into a retirement community. I saw clear signs that her home of 25 years had become too much for her to manage. Though she’d always loved gardening, a few falls had made it too risky. She chose a beautiful retirement home, just a mile from her previous place, that offered her comfort and proximity to her old neighborhood.
The process of moving her from a home filled with years of memories was challenging, but I learned a lot and have some great tips to make it smoother and less overwhelming.
After a little over a year in the retirement community, I started noticing signs of cognitive decline. Following visits to her doctor and a neurologist, my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I was at a loss—unsure where to begin, with limited guidance from the doctor. So, I began researching and reaching out to everyone I knew, determined to understand and support her through this new stage.
How it’s Going
As my mom’s needs increased, I knew I needed to be more present in her care. We initially thought a nearby retirement home would be ideal, but the waitlists and choices were overwhelming—not to mention the high cost of memory care. That’s when my supportive husband, who’s known my mom since he was 18, suggested she move in with us.
Our home layout made it a good fit: her room is downstairs on the opposite side of the house from ours, giving us all a sense of privacy. She’s been with us for over a year now, and while there have been ups and downs, the ups outweigh everything. It’s wonderful for our kids to see her regularly, and I know she’s thriving with the connection and care we’re able to provide.
If you’re looking for guidance, support, or just a friendly voice on this journey of caring for aging parents, you’re in the right place. Together, let’s make the most of this time and create a path that’s as easy and fulfilling as possible.
Here’s How I Can Support You:
Honest Conversations – Real-life insights into the emotions, frustrations, and victories that come with caring for aging parents. You’re not alone, and I’m here to share both the highs and the lows with you.
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Clear, Actionable Guidance – Step-by-step tips on what to do and when to do it, so you feel equipped to make decisions with confidence as needs evolve.
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Curated Information – I take on the research so you don’t have to. Expect concise, easy-to-digest advice, saving you time while ensuring you stay informed.
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Aging Well Tips – As we support our parents, let’s also prioritize our own well-being. I share strategies to help us age gracefully and proactively.