Frequently Asked Questions and Presentation Topics

* How Do You Start and Provide Services? 

• We always start with a FREE 30-minute consultation where we will explore your goals, motivations, and/or trainings you're interested in. 

• Most caregiver and life coaching sessions are offered virtually, with flexibility to accommodate individual needs. Services can be one-on-one, with a partner, or with other family members (that can join from different locations.)  People often find value in multiple sessions and ongoing support as we measure progress and achieve the goals we set together. 

• If your focus is staff development or community education, this is the perfect time to review available topics (scroll to bottom of the page to view or download the full current list) or I can design a presentation tailored specifically to your needs.  Group trainings, community presentations, in-services, and staff development are typically provided in person at the chosen location.

* What Are the Costs of Services?

• Individual Coaching – Following your FREE consultation, the initial 90-minute session is $195. Each subsequent one-hour session is $135. This hourly rate is also applied to time spent in between sessions for individually vetting resources, doing research, phone calls, etc.  Sessions are typically held virtually, though other arrangements can be discussed if needed.
   
• Staff Development Trainings, Events & Community Presentations – These services are available by independent contractor vendor agreement, with a detailed outline of duties, hourly rates, and any travel costs (time and mileage) provided and discussed in advance.

• Support Groups – One-hour caregiver support groups are $35 per person and require a minimum of 4 participants. Groups may be held virtually or in person (Mid-Cape area) at a mutually agreeable location.

* What Is the Difference between a Life Coach and a Therapist?

• Therapists assess, diagnose, and treat emotional or mental health concerns using clinical assessments, testing, reported symptoms, and exploration of the past.
   
• Life Coaches focus on the present and future—helping you clarify needs, overcome obstacles, and set actionable goals to create your vision moving forward.

• At times, a client struggles to move forward from negative thoughts or behaviors until they heal from their past.  I will help identify the appropriate specialist for you.  Coaching can occur simultaneously or put on hold while receiving therapy or other treatment.

* What Are the Current Topics You Present?  *Scroll to bottom of page to download the full list*

1) 2-hour Dementia Overview Learn aspects from the ALZ Assoc. including types of dementia, purposeful engagement, “problem behaviors,” therapeutic fibbing, and improved communication and personal care, with real stories and solutions for a better quality of life.

2) Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementias Explore symptoms (dementia vs. normal age-related changes) and the different types. Learn how different dementia diagnoses effect the brain, symptoms and explore diagnostic testing and available treatments.

3) All About Communication and Knowing Your Patient Discuss verbal and non-verbal communication, join in their reality, and “therapeutic fibbing" and knowing patients’ histories, abilities, interests, and preferences allow you to provide improved care and interactions.

4) Improving the Physical Environment Learn how surroundings effect mood and functioning of the patient with dementia, and ways to improve how they see and hear while reducing overwhelming stimuli to best provide personal care and overall experience. 

5) The Benefits of Music, Art, and Movement Overview of the benefits of music, art, and movement while caring for the cognitively impaired.  Learn to use these techniques to minimize challenging behaviors, improve quality of life, and enhance your interactions.

6) Healthy Body, Healthy Mind (Strategies to Improve Cognitive Health) Learn how lifestyle factors can contribute to cognitive health and can slow the progression of memory decline. We will review strategies for memory improvement and overall physical and mental health.

7) Hospice 101 is a review of the hospice benefit, what's included and how it is paid, the team members, comfort vs. curative approaches, identifying appropriate patients, key differences between Palliative and Hospice care, as well as some myths surrounding both.

8) Understanding Advanced Directives is a review of The Five Wishes, MOLST and electing our personal end of life medical choices, including assigning health care proxies, and approaching our loved ones with the “Conversations Before the Crises.” 

9) Working with Families.  As a professional, learn to effectively discuss difficult topics with patients & families, such as end of life and dementia, while recognizing the importance of sensitivity and empathy.  Also, acquire helpful tips and self-care strategies to support the paid caregiver.

10) Signs and Symptoms at End of Life Understand physiological changes that can occur towards end of life.  Learn how to address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, non-pharmacologically, for symptom management and enhancing quality of life in the final days.

11) Making the Most of Your Visits Whether cognitive or physical limitations exist, this explores suggestions to make your visits meaningful, so you both have a quality visit. Learn how to connect better and enhance the joy you have when visiting those you care for.

12) Cultural Diversity at End of Life An overview of how various religions view death and dying and how culture influences end of life care, responses to grief, and decision-making. Learn how verbal and non-verbal sensitivity is important and can vary by culture. 

13) Stress Management Identify what stress is, how you respond to it, and ways to manage it. This presentation is an uplifting program that focuses on gratitude and change in attitude, for a happier and less stressed life, one with more balance and joy and personal fulfillment.

14) Elder Abuse. Learn about different types of abuse and why you are responsible to protect the elders we serve, whether a mandated reporter or not. This topic helps you to recognize abuse or neglect, as well as how and when to report elder abuse if there is a concern. 

15) Providing Stellar Customer Service Improve your communication with residents, family and co-workers, while being mindful of professional boundaries and incorporating stress management. Can be offered at onboarding or as ongoing annual education. 

16) Family/Caregiver Support Groups are a unique opportunity for caregivers, paid or not, to have a safe place to vent, learn, and build camaraderie with peers experiencing similar issues. Groups can be offered as a one-time event or for ongoing monthly caregiver support. 

*All but #1 are one-hour in length. Additional topics can be written/tailored to adapt to your specific needs*