Title: One Day at a Time: lived experience of loving and caring for my Mother from diagnosis of vascular dementia to end of life, at home in rural Newfoundland.

Biography:

Catherine holds a BA (Hons) from Carleton University, is a certified Dementia Care Practitioner, a certified Positive Approach to Care™ trainer and a certified End of Life Doula. She lives in a red house on a hill, by the ocean, with her husband Wayne and their two curious kids – Xavier and Sibéal.

Abstract

While recovering from a stroke, Isabel was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2009. A mere two months before, Isabel was living independently and extremely active in her community. Scared of what this would mean for her family, she spoke openly and courageously about her diagnosis and what was happening in her body. She lived each day at home with her family, surrounded by laughter, love and her growing grandchildren

One Day at a Time is the story of love. It’s the story of the Kelly family and their journey in supporting their Mother, Isabel, from diagnosis through to end of life. How they met the challenges of geography, energy, ignorance and how, together, they created a beautiful space for Isabel to remain whole and connected with her family. This journey intersected with multiple health care systems – three Canadian provinces in both urban and rural centres. Catherine will share insights on isolation, stigma, community care, of infusing life in the dying process and the power of love. Unflinching, One Day at a Time is a raw account of one families lived experience

Catherine recently founded ‘Got the Dementia’, inspired by her experience as a caregiver for her mother. The mission for her business is working with people with dementia and their families to create a loving, caring, supportive, nurturing environment from diagnosis to end of life. To help families identify and create the circles of support, so people with dementia can stay at home as long as possible. Catherine’s commitment to community, nature and connectedness is grounded in her small-town Newfoundland upbringing, and greatly influenced by her experience with Indigenous Cultures.