From a Fall in Hawaii to a Care Guide for Families Everywhere

One afternoon in Honolulu, Hawaii, my mother—81 years old—fell and suffered a traumatic brain injury that changed everything.

In an instant, she no longer knew her name, where she lived, or where she came from. Thanks to the quick response of neighbors and emergency services, her life was saved—but that moment marked the beginning of her decline into global aphasia and, eventually, Alzheimer’s dementia.

What followed was an abrupt and disorienting transition. My sister and brother-in-law went from adult children to caregivers almost overnight. They did everything they could to keep our mother safe at home for as long as possible, but eventually, the level of care she needed exceeded what we could provide. I felt helpless as all I could do was visit for a short time and offer support over the phone.

When they decided it was time, we flew mom back to Pittsburgh, and we all cared for her at my house as we navigated finding a long-term care facility with a dementia unit -- it was not easy. Months passed before we secured a permanent placement that truly met her needs. During that time, one truth became painfully clear:

We were completely unprepared.

No one tells you how complex this transition is. No one hands you a roadmap. And no one teaches you how to communicate who your loved one really is once they can no longer advocate for themselves.

Why I Created a Care Guide

In what felt like a helpless situation, I focused on the one thing I could control.

I created a care guide.

I wanted the administrators, nurses, and caregivers to know my mother not just as a patient—but as a person. A woman who loved deeply. A woman who spoke random Italian phrases. A woman who called everyone “Linda” (my sister’s name). A woman with routines, preferences, fears, humor, and history.

What began as a simple document became something far more powerful.

The guide helped staff understand why she behaved the way she did, how to comfort her, and what mattered most to her. It shortened the learning curve that so often happens with new residents. It humanized her care.

And then something unexpected happened.

Caregivers began asking me:

“Did you make this?”“This is wonderful.”“We wish every patient came with a care guide like this.”

From One Family to Many

That feedback stayed with me.

I realized this wasn’t just something my family needed—this was something families everywhere needed.

That’s how Care Guide for Your Loved One with Dementia was born.

Today, the guide is available as a workbook, e-book, and PDF, designed to help families:

• Communicate essential personal and care information

• Partner more effectively with care teams

• Reduce stress during transitions

• Advocate with clarity and confidence

• Preserve the dignity, identity, and story of their loved one

This guide isn’t about doing everything perfectly.It’s about doing the best you can—with compassion, preparation, and heart.

A Beacon and a Bridge

This care guide is both a beacon and a bridge.

A beacon—lighting the way during one of the most overwhelming transitions a family can face.A bridge—connecting your loved one to caregivers who can provide thoughtful, personalized care when you cannot be there.

It is a testament to love.A tool for advocacy.And a step toward a better experience for families and care recipients in dementia units everywhere.

Coming soon: Care Guide for Your Loved One with Dementia

Launching on National Caregivers Day – February 20, 2026