If you’re navigating care for a loved one with dementia and feel unsure, overwhelmed, or even resentful – working with a dementia consultant may be exactly what you need.

A dementia consultant provides coaching, education, and support to help you better understand what’s happening to your loved one, create strategies that work for you, and separate the disease from the person.

It’s not about finding a quick fix, it’s about practical, personalized guidance to reduce the chaos and frustration and finally feel more confident and at ease.

As a dementia consultant, Michelle works with the families and caregivers of those with dementia. Her role is to help coach you through the challenges you’re facing, help you understand the changes happening to your loved one, and offer realistic strategies and support that match your situation. You’ll get a mix of emotional support, education, and practical tools you can use to help reduce stress and improve your relationship with your loved one. 

Each coaching session is personalized to the needs of you, your family, and your loved one. That could include practicing specific skills to address the challenges you're facing or finding new approaches that work with your loved one. Michelle doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach – instead, she helps you find what works best for you, offers suggestions, and provides real-time feedback and support. Her goal is to empower you with practical tools and strategies you can use that actually make a difference. 

Right now, Michelle offers in-person services to families in the Portland Metro area. Through these face-to-face sessions, she’s able to better observe the challenges you face and provide a higher level of support. If you’re outside the Portland Metro area and are interested in a virtual consultation, you’re welcome to reach out – virtual sessions may be added in the future. 

Michelle has over 10 years of experience working directly with individuals living with dementia. In addition to her direct experience, she maintains the following certifications: 

• Certified Dementia Practitioner through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP)

• Certified Dementia Trainer through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP)

• Certified Montessori Dementia Practitioner through the International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (ICCDP)

• Certified Dementia Consultant through Positive Approach to Care (PAC)

Michelle continues to stay informed on best practices and evidence-based care strategies, as well as scientific advances in dementia care. 

“Dementia” is an umbrella term that is used to describe various symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and daily functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, but there are other forms, including Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

When Michelle refers to “dementia,” she is referring to all types of dementia-related conditions and diseases. As a certified dementia consultant, she’s received additional training allowing her to support and educate individuals and families as they navigate all forms of this disease. 

Absolutely! A care plan often focuses on the medical needs of the person living with dementia. Coaching from a dementia consultant focuses on you as the caregiver and your needs. It’s designed to help you understand the progression of the disease, adapt as things change, and separate the disease from the person so you can support your loved one with compassion and understanding. Even if you’ve been caregiving for a while, working with a coach can help ease the burden and give you new ways to connect and cope. 

Michelle offers a range of services designed to meet the needs of different families. View pricing and packages when you explore Coaching Options. If you’re not sure what option would be best, you can contact Michelle, and she can help you find a package that makes the most sense for your situation. 

Dementia coaching is a private service and is not currently covered by insurance. That said, many families find that working with a dementia consultant provides a level of personalized support not offered by medical staff. Coaching not only benefits you as the caregiver but also helps siblings, spouses, or others who want to understand and support their loved one with compassion and understanding.