Meet Ruth
We seek change out of a deep desire to grow or when change is thrust upon us. We are not always prepared to face the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, the diagnosis of illness, a divorce, living with a chronic illness or any of a myriad of reasons that you may now be confronting.
As a therapist, my job is to help by being a catalyst to change. Working together we will learn what your emotional needs are, what you know and understand about yourself and what you need to grow and move forward.
The Role of an Elder Care Coach
Education and Certifications
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C-ASWCM - Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager – National Association of Social Workers
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LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker – State of New Jersey and New York State
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CDP - Certified Dementia Practitioner – National Association of Dementia Practitioners
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MSW - Masters in Social Work - Columbia University
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BS - Bachelor of Science; Speech Pathology - Trenton State College
Affiliations
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Verona Park Conservancy, Board Member
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National Association of Social Workers
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United Way of Northern New Jersey
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Columbia University, Alumni Association
Work Experience
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Private Practice - Psychotherapy, Caregiver Counseling, Elder Care Coach - West Orange, New Jersey and New York, NY
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Support Group Leader – Alzheimer’s Association, New Jersey
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Program Director - The Alzheimer’s Association, NYC Chapter
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Director - Council Senior Center, New York, NY
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Director of Social Services - Senior Care & Activities Center, Montclair, New Jersey
People don’t expect to become caregivers until someone in the family suddenly becomes ill or exhibits mental decline or there is an unexpected emergency that requires you to take over.
As an Elder Care Coach, I help develop plans so that you are ready with the necessary tools and information when the person you are caring for is no longer able to manage personal matters without direction. Coaching helps family members understand the progression of the illness, the options for care and how to plan for the future. Coaching will also teach you ways to handle patterns of family interaction that may interfere with caregiving. We strive to involve the whole family, not one individual, and build a community of care partners.
I believe it’s important to be educated well in advance of emergencies so drawing up a blueprint of care is best done when things are calm. Whether you need to begin the process of organizing care needs, sorting through your personal issues with caregiving or advice on how to manage your role as caregiver, please allow me to guide you through the process.