Mary W. Care Companion in Lansing, MI 48937

Hello!

I have been an uncompensated family caregiver for more than 20 years for my mom and her three sisters. My mom passed in August and now only one sister is left and she now lives in the UP. My mom was almost 98, one sister was 100, and another was 78 and had Parkinson's disease and associated dementia.

There aren't too many services I haven't provided as a caregiver. Everything from cleaning and laundry to transportation to visiting, working a puzzle, watching a game, or cooking and baking. I also helped with medication management when needed, ran errands, shopped and picked up prescriptions, prepared meals, and ate with them (eating alone isn't healthy!) I also did yard work, gardening, light home maintenance, and managed professional home and car repairs when required.

Notably, during the past five years while caring for my loved ones, I wrote blogs about senior living so I have a fairly in-depth level of knowledge about seniors and senior care.

I am a native of Lansing and attended MSU where I earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism. My career spanned more than 35 years primarily in marketing for different organizations, and during most of that time I also provided contract writing services on the side. I have two grown children, four grandchildren, and own a home in Lansing. I love arts and crafts, puzzles, games, reading, and a good movie with popcorn. In the warmer months, I also love being outdoors, gardening, going to the beach, walking my grand puppy, and, when possible, spending time with my grandkids in East Lansing and Traverse City.

My goal is to be a companion for seniors who want more activity and friendship. I know that one of the many curses of getting older is isolation and that the resulting loneliness can lead to a variety of health problems. Michigan winters can be especially difficult when the cold and snow make it hard for seniors to get out, so being able to come to a senior’s home and spend time with them might make a big difference in their quality of life (and mine!).

I have a very strong work ethic but also realize older adults often require more than the usual amount of compassion, empathy, and understanding. Since we are all, God willing, going to be there someday, I want to pay it forward now while I still can.

Thank you for reading my profile. I look forward to speaking with you and lending a hand.

M. Lisa Weatherford