Support for Dementia Caregivers - Cohen Caregiving Support
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bill Cohen, Founder of Cohen Caregiving Support Consultants LLC, located in Tualatin, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
As a caregiving support consultant and Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®, I've dedicated my life to helping families whose loved ones are living with dementia on their own unexpected, challenging journey. I use my experience as a dementia caregiver with my late mother, my clients, and support groups to advise unpaid family caregivers with advice, guidance, and resources to save them time and money and reduce their stress and burden. I can support them. I've been there.
Tell us about yourself
If you had told me the following scenario 18 years ago, I'd tell you: no way; it won't happen. But it's how and why I'm where I am today. My loving, beautiful, and creative mother, Sheila, showed signs of dementia, then lost her home in Hurricane Katrina and her health, ability to create beautiful art, and ultimately her life due to Alzheimer's. I became her primary caregiver and advocate. She passed away in 2013 at age 83 after four years in memory care. I went from a support group attendee to its leader and became a devoted volunteer to raise funds for a cure, all in my mom's memory. I retired from an unfulfilling, 25-year job and turned my personal loss into my gratifying passion and "encore career." I have completed multiple caregiving and aging courses through the Alzheimer's Association and the Society for Certified Senior Advisors™️, have a financial service and government background, and earned business degrees from Boston and Portland State Universities. A native New Englander, I have lived in the Portland, Oregon, area for over 37 years with my wife of almost 42 years, Lori.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My main objectives and motivations have been to help as many families as possible and to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and dementia, including care, prevention, and self-care. Starting in the Pacific Northwest, my business has expanded into supporting families across the United States, Canada, and beyond. I have accomplished this by being a member of an international organization of entrepreneurs, being a guest on podcasts based in numerous states, provinces, and countries, being active on social media and leading a Facebook community for dementia caregivers with members on six continents. This has been most gratifying. I also am proud of my volunteer work. I am a recent Volunteer of the Year for my local chamber, led the Health and Wellness team, and became an Ambassador. I have been a support group facilitator for over eight years, an avid fundraiser and advocate, and am in my 9th year as a team captain on the Portland Metro area's Walk to End Alzheimer's. I have been a Champion (and above) level fundraiser every year and lead Team Sheila in my mom's honor and memory.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As with my unique business, many entrepreneurs begin with a vision and a passion. However, they may lack the resources, experience, and skills to start and maintain a business. Often we are trying to do it ourselves, and if we don't seek guidance ourselves or include contractors or services we aren't proficient in or are time-consuming, we will burn out or quit. We've all been there, and sometimes taking steps to add support will lead to the success we dream about.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research. Have a well-developed plan, and then be prepared to revise it - often. My initial source of referrals ended up being disappointing. I found my tribe and collaborative network later.
- Don't try to do it all by yourself. Seek objective, reliable advice from a referred coach or several. It is invaluable.
- You can't do it sitting in front of a computer and putting up a website. Get out, meet people, and have fun. Try different groups for the best fit, then show up, get involved, and build relationships. Handing someone a business card will not cut it.
- Be active and consistent in building a following, a network, and your brand on social media. It doesn't have to be on all platforms: get proficient and consistent on one with good content first, then try another.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I am empathetic and compassionate about helping and advising family caregivers and talking and educating about Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. I have never felt this passionate about any previous job or field, but they all have helped me support and guide caregivers today. Caregivers hear from me and should be aware that they don't have to feel so overwhelmed, alone, and stressed. Support is available. Again, I can help. I've been there.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://cohencaregivingsupport.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/billcohensupportgroup/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cohencaregivingsupport/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamscohen/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.