Nancy's Story

Client: Nancy, 63, former bank executive, single

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Challenge: Nancy is struggling to manage the care of her elderly parents—her father, who has dementia, and her mother, who is stubborn and resistant to any help. Her mother’s house has termites, but she refuses to address the issue, putting the home at risk. Nancy is the sole caregiver, as her brother is uninterested and is waiting for their parents to pass to inherit the money. Nancy is also dealing with her own health issues due to a head injury, which limits her energy and ability to manage the situation, though she feels compelled to do so because there is no one else to help.

 

Approach: I helped Nancy develop strategies to navigate the emotional, physical, and logistical complexities of caring for her parents, especially given the challenging dynamics with her brother and mother. We focused on setting realistic boundaries, improving her emotional resilience, and addressing her own health needs while also managing the caregiving responsibilities. I provided her with tools to communicate effectively with her mother and to approach difficult conversations about home repairs. Additionally, I guided her on how to manage her energy and stress levels to avoid burnout and prioritize her well-being.

 

Testimonial: "Brian has been a godsend during one of the most difficult periods of my life. At 63, I find myself caring for my aging parents—my father has dementia, and my mother, who is a force to be reckoned with, is stubbornly refusing to get help, even though her house is falling apart due to termites. Meanwhile, my brother sits on the sidelines, more concerned about the inheritance than actually helping out. I’m the one doing all the work, and it's been incredibly frustrating. To top it off, I have my own health issues from a head injury, so I’m drained and don’t have the energy to give it my all, but I feel like I have no choice.

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I reached out to Brian for support because I didn’t know how to keep going. From the moment we started working together, Brian helped me see things from a different perspective. He taught me how to set boundaries with my mother, how to manage my emotions around her refusal to accept help, and how to communicate more effectively with her. He also helped me find ways to take care of my own health while juggling all of these responsibilities, which I didn’t think was even possible.

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Brian didn’t just listen to me vent; he gave me practical advice, and together we created a plan that helped me feel more in control. His support and guidance have been invaluable, and I honestly don’t know where I’d be without him. If you’re in a similar situation, feeling overwhelmed and like there’s no one to turn to, I highly recommend working with Brian. He’s a lifeline when you feel like you’re drowning."

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-Nancy R. Pickering Ontario