About Cohen Caregiving Support
Who Am I?
Hi, I am Bill Cohen. Originally from New England, I have lived in Oregon for over 30 years with my wife, Lori, and various furballs.
I've been a manager, financial advisor, compliance inspector, mentor, and volunteer. Customer service and helping people have been the common thread throughout for life's milestones, such as delivering a memorable wedding!
Not all of life's events are so joyous. My beautiful and loving mother, Sheila, lost her home due to Hurricane Katrina. Then, her health, ability to create art and, ultimately, her life were destroyed by Alzheimer's disease. I was her caregiver. Now I provide caregiving support and advise you or your clients on how to handle and manage the caregiving journey for you or their care partnersl living with dementia.
I also lead a team for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, facilitate caregiving support groups, volunteer and advocate for a cure for Alzheimer's disease, and am available as a guest speaker.
Professional and Academic Background
Courses through the Alzheimer's Association include:
CARES® Dementia Basics™
CARES® Dementia-Related Behavior™
Teepa Snow's GEMS
McGinty Conferences
Degrees and past experience include:
Bachelors in Business Administration--Boston University
International MBA--Portland State University
Financial services, including investments and insurance
Multi-lingual Speaker in Spanish and Mandarin, Cross-culturally Aware:
Hablo un poco de español.
我说普通话...有一点。
Why Can I Help You?
Are you caring for, or working with a family who has, a loved one with Alzheimer's? Did you or they know what to do or who to talk to after the first signs or a diagnosis?
For almost 10 years, I was my late mother's primary caregiver, personal representative, and advocate, not just her elder son. I experienced all the issues and stages first-hand, and know what a caregiver endures.
Now, I am a guide for family caregivers like you, or your clients. I help your family cope with dementia care for your care partner. I use a wraparound approach to coordinate your/their support team regarding:
* Elder law
* Financial matters
* Health care, insurance
* Options for housing, home,
palliative or hospice care
* Adult day/respite care
* Patient advocacy
* Mood swings, repeated
questions
* Loss of companionship, intimacy
* Long distance caregiving
* Quitting driving
I will guide you through the difficult journey ahead. You are not alone. I can help.
How Do I Guide You?
Most family caregivers whose loved one has a diagnosis or the first signs of dementia are unaware of the resources, service providers, and options available to them. They may also be wary of working with unknown advisors or professionals, even with credentials and recommendations.
I do the vetting and research for you. I will refer trustworthy, reliable service providers to you and your care partner. This saves you time and money, and relieves you of the stress of looking around and calling random advisors. You can rest assured that you will be working with someone looking out for your family's best interests.
And, by coordinating and collaborating with your team of providers, particularly regarding Alzheimer's and other dementia, you will feel more confident that you are caring for your loved one as best as possible in a difficult, emotional situation.
Therefore, I am a nurturing guide for family caregivers like you, or your clients. I help you cope with the "long goodbye" on your journey with your care partner, whether it is your spouse, parent, sibling, or close friend.