A few years ago, Marsha left her home in New Mexico to help care for her ailing mother in New Jersey. When her mom suffered a major stroke and began showing signs of dementia, the arrangement became permanent.

Marsha took on the role of primary caregiver while also working as a nurse at a special needs school. The circumstances were fraught, largely because her 76-year-old mother resisted help. “She was thinking she’s fine,” Marsha said. “My mom had always been very organized. Now, when she gets out of her routine, she gets very frustrated.”

Marsha initially connected with NewBridge Senior Assistance for Independent Living for her mom, Hermite. However, NewBridge’s caregiver support service, NewBridge@Home, became a lifeline for Marsha. She began having regular sessions with NewBridge SAIL team leader SueAnn.

“I can talk to SueAnn without judgement,” she said. “I’ve learned to advocate for my mom, but also for myself, to ask for help.” Schierloh gave Marsha practical advice too, like using the Alexa virtual assistant to set reminders for her mom. “That helped her to feel more independent,” she said.

Hermite resisted a home health aide, so members of the family’s church check on her mom virtually throughout the day, and get her to medical appointments. Marsha asked a family member to fill in when she underwent medical procedures.

The counseling has helped Marsha cope. “Mom’s dealing with it from her perspective, and I’m dealing with it from mine,” she said.