Jacqueline Marcell was a "home-run hit . . ." Her first-hand knowledge of caring for loved ones makes her a natural for speaking to family members who are walking the journey of Alzheimer's or related dementia(s).
I barely survived caring for my (once adoring) challenging father and sweet ailing mother, both with Alzheimer's undiagnosed for over a year. But after fighting through the medical system and depleting my parents' life savings and much of my own -- I figured everything out medically, behaviorally, socially, legally, financially, and emotionally.
Passion to save others (especially from elder abuse), resulted in writing "Elder Rage"; hosting the "Coping With Caregiving" radio show; media including TODAY, CNN, PBS Alzheimer's Documentary, AARP Bulletin cover story, Woman's Day, Prevention; on Board of Directors of FAIR Foundation advocating for Fair Allocations in Research funds from Congress and the NIH; hundreds of presentations (CEU/CMEs) including to the California Governor's Conference, numerous chapters of the Alzheimer's Association and Area Agencies on Aging, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, National Security Agency, Florida House of Representatives.
Numerous topics including "Managing Family, Career, Elderly Parents, and YOU" -- and surviving invasive breast cancer sharing insights from both sides of caregiving. I stress the importance for everyone (especially caregivers) to closely monitor their own health -- promoting the value of gratitude and humor to overcome challenges. (I also speak about writing, self-publishing and marketing.)
"ELDER RAGE" is a Book-of-the-Month Club selection (a caregiving book first), receiving 350+ 5-Star Amazon reviews and considered for a film. Over 50 endorsements include Hugh Downs, Regis Philbin, John Hopkins Memory Clinic, Duke University Center for Aging, and Harvard Medical School. The Addendum by renowned neurologist/dementia specialist, Rodman Shankle, MS MD, makes it valuable for healthcare professionals and required text at numerous universities for courses in geriatric assessment and management.
MISSIONS: To help improve eldercare laws; encourage long-term care planning; show healthcare professionals how they can better help families; provide solutions and hope to caregivers; heighten early diagnosis awareness; expose elder abuse and exploitation; bring attention to the value of Adult Day Care, which saved my parents' lives as well as my own. I testified before the Assistant Secretary on Aging and received a Media Award from the National Adult Day Services Association. I was also honored with "Advocate of the Year" from the National Association of Women Business Owners at their Remarkable Women Awards.
· Planning for a Long-Term Life
· Recognizing Normal Aging vs. Dementia /Alzheimer’s: Warning Signs, Stages, Types, Statistics
· Finding the Right Medical Team for Accurate Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment
· Implementing Behavior Modification: Distraction/Redirection, Reminiscence, Validation, Rewards
· Get Elders to: See Doctor, Take Meds, Eat, Stop Driving, Accept Caregiver, Attend Day Care, Move
· Manage Aggression, Depression, Delusions, Hallucinations, Repetition, Sun-downing, Wandering
· Hiring Caregivers and Geriatric Care Managers
· Understanding Value of Adult Day Care and Activities
· Safety-Proofing the Home
· Preventing Elder Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation
· Moving to Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, Dementia Care
· Finding the Best Resources, Products, Support Groups, Respite, Hospice
· Caring for the Caregiver: Coping with Siblings, Stress, Guilt and Grief
· Preparing for Our Own Later Years and Dementia Prevention