Navigating Aging in Families

I have found myself overwhelmed with uncertainty and anxiety at times as I adjust to the role of being the primary caregiver for my aging parents. I have felt very alone at times. Susie, with her warmth and compassion and her years of experience supporting families, has helped me find my footing and feel more confident in supporting my parents in this time of transition. Her insights, empathy, ideas, and practical advice have helped me open new bridges of communication with Mom and Dad. I've been able to problem-solve more effectively with them, and be more attuned to savoring the moments of joy that are part of this chapter of our relationship. I wish everyone in this situation had someone like Susie to guide and support them.

Catherine

As a family member of a person suffering from Alzheimer’s, I had been struggling with ALL the ins and outs of Assisted Living, specifically how to determine the appropriate time for dad’s placement. Heartbreaking for sure, but truly necessary to protect him from any harm that could result from being in his own home. We had a meeting scheduled and I was unsure of what questions to ask, as this was our first experience with an Assisted Living & Memory Care Facility. Susie and I met before the meeting, and she helped me to understand that my concerns were valid. Her assistance in phrasing my questions in a manner that allowed everyone to be on the same page and without any ambiguities was particularly valuable. The meeting ended up being a success!​ Susie coached us on how to appropriately talk with our dad, and also, with our mom (who would be staying at home without her husband for the first time.) Susie validated our feelings of sadness, fear, relief and even anger at how things have turned out. My questions ran the gamut. What is included in his care? What do we supply? Is it normal for dad to think he is visiting the facility as opposed to living here now? Knowing that Alzheimer’s and Dementia are progressive diseases and each person is affected differently, Susie gave examples of what was to come. It helped to have those insights before they became a reality.

Lisa - Danbury, Ct.

When I received a call from the friend of my 89 year old uncle expressing concern over his declining health, my sister and I knew we needed to intervene somehow. Because my uncle is private and independent and has always lived alone, we were not sure how to approach him about changing his living situation. My sister and I sought Susie's advice, and she helped us frame the conversation and approach it in a way that worked beautifully. He accepted our help, was moved by our love and concern, and our relationship with our uncle changed that day. Susie's insight and counsel was just what we needed!

Lynn and Ashley

I met Susie when I was about to move my mom into an Assisted Living facility. Her coaching brought a valuable perspective which gave me the confidence to embrace this new chapter What a blessing!

Mary - Lynchburg, Va.

Susie Sarkisian was recommended to me by a mutual friend at a time when I was navigating my mother’s declining health. As her primary caregiver in my home, Susie's insight and expertise helped me through logistical hurdles as well as the emotional challenges and family dynamics that go along with caring for an aging parent in the home. I truly do not know how I could have made it without her caring support. I highly recommend Susie to others that find themselves trying to cope with caring for an aging parent or loved one.

Kerri Smith

Susie is a wonder. I have met with her once a week for the past year since my wife was admitted to The Kensington suffering from dementia. Not only did she help me to successfully communicate with my wife , she also gave me sound advice as to how to manage my own grief .
Susie is an" UP " lady with a positive attitude . She constantly helps me remember that I have to try to lead a productive life and not drown in sadness and self pity.

Susie has become a friend I can lean on when the going gets tough . I am sure that you will develop the same relationship with her as I have.

Herb Tulchin

Compassion, experience and guidance are in Susie’s tool box. I needed a navigator as I was caring for my husband at home. Susie kept me moving forward with tidbits of advice and questions to consider as his disease progressed. I always left our sessions feeling hopeful for the next steps. No two cases of Alzheimer’s disease are alike, and she helped our family through ours. She will see you through the journey.

SB Charleston, SC