Recognizing the need for personalized, private counseling for families who are dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia, M.I.N.D. in Memory Care was developed to fill that need in the most caring and compassionate way possible. Usually only one session is required in order for Cindy to give you the tools to be able to keep your loved one safer, happier, and at home for a longer period of time.

Counseling is available either by telephone conference calling, involving up to several family members at once, at a pre-set time and date, or through an in-home visit. Imagine gathering all of your family members together to be able to ask questions, to hear the suggestions, and to receive the support that is absent when reading books. This is personalized, tailored consulting at its best. Cindy urges all clients to keep in touch at no extra charge via e-mail and in the event a second consultation is needed, it can easily be arranged.

For telephone consultations, Cindy will call you and any other interested parties in different locations at a pre-set time and date. Larger families would call in to a conference call number. This type of consultation can only be paid for with a VISA or Master Card number given at the start of the call. You will have the opportunity to ask specific questions at any time during the consultation and much valuable information will be learned to help you cope with this challenging, life-changing event.

For in-home family consultations, due to travel expenses, Cindy usually travels to meet with families in central Pennsylvania, but would also consider traveling out of state.

The issues families are struggling with are as varied as the people themselves. Some of the most often asked questions Cindy can answer for you include:

• What are the most important safety issues I need to be aware of?
• How can I help my loved one feel happy and calm?
• What behaviors might I see with this type of dementia?
• What is the best way to handle difficult behaviors such as refusals to bathe, to eat or drink enough fluids?
• What are the warning signs of a sudden illness if my loved one can't tell me?
• When do I need to start thinking about facility placement?
• What books would be helpful to me at this time?
• How can I prevent falls and other injuries?
• How can I keep from arguing with my loved one all the time?

“Several years ago my brother and I suspected that my mother was beginning to suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease, and we had no idea how to address the issues surrounding this.  I was referred to Cindy through a friend, and although Cindy is based in State College, PA and I am in Washington, DC, it has been a great working relationship.  Through phone consultations and many emails, Cindy first guided me and my brother through the beginning stages of my mother’s disease.  She recommended a doctor and was available during those early “what do I do now” moments.   She continues to be a very valuable resource and when I need an opinion or idea, I email or call Cindy and she is always extremely helpful.  She makes me consider things I hadn’t thought of, and is that non-family “voice of reason” that everyone needs.  I strongly encourage anyone who needs help with this sort of issue contact Cindy.  I am proof that you don’t need to live in the same town to benefit from her advice.”

B. O’Berry, Washington, D.C.

Alzheimer's and Dementia Counseling and Education
call Cindy Keith of M.I.N.D. in Memory Care
(814)-235-0691
keithc@mindinmemorycare.com