Consuela Marshall, OTR/L, CAPS's Linkedin Analytics

Being a caregiver doesn't have to mean sacrificing your life. Caregiving is a choice and then a journey -- that's what I've learned from both my extensive professional and personal caregiving experiences. Now I support others in balancing their lives with their caregiver role. I launched Finding A Foothold Consulting Services in 2021 to support family caregivers in navigating the day-to-day activities of caring for elderly or disabled loved ones. I also work with employers to support initiatives created for their employees who are family caregivers, helping employers to see the value in providing support and training to employees who distracted, burdened and thus unproductive at work due to concerns about aging or disabled parents. During my 27-year career as an occupational therapist, I have worked in inpatient rehab units, and skilled nursing units, and provided in-home services to patients and their family caregivers. I was also the primary caregiver of both my mother, who had several strokes and an "aunt" with Alzheimer's disease living with my family and me. Through these experiences, I learned how to adjust to life as a caregiver while also managing a career, maintaining other valuable relationships, and finding time for self-care. Finding A Foothold Consulting Services provides individual, group, and employer consulting, with a desire to bring hope to caregivers, covering topics such as -- • How to set up a safe home environment • How to perform tasks safely, reducing injury risks •How to recognize your limits and set boundaries • Use of appropriate techniques and equipment to help you work less •much more While no two caregiver journeys are alike, each must begin with a solid foundation rooted in love and then be reinforced by learning, self-care, and support from others invited into the journey, employers, and other organizations. Reach out. Finding A Foothold is here to help you learn how to integrate caregiving into your life, while also continuing to live your life — though difficult at times, but still full of hope and self-care.