Meet Amber Angell

My caregiver story begins at a young age. Growing up my mother had a severe form of Multiple Sclerosis and struggled with depression, often causing her to be unable to care for herself or her children. When I was around the age of fourteen, her diagnosis took a turn for the worse, coinciding with my grandmother displaying advanced signs of Alzheimer’s and my grandfather’s own health conditions rapidly decreasing. I had no choice but to step into a more serious caregiving role, not realizing the toll it was taking on my own development, health, or view of life it would forever bring me. I lost three grandparents and my mother all before the age of twenty-one. 

Over my 20 years of experience caring for my family, individual patients, adult foster care, rehab facilities and hospice care, I saw all aspects of aging dementia and illnesses. Over time, my interests began to grow into whole body healing, and in 2006 I became a certified Orthopedic Massage Therapist, specializing in chronic pain. It was in 2017 that I became a certified health coach, where I continued to work with caregivers, helping them navigate their job all while finding personal health and wellness. 

My experience being a caregiver and my own struggles maintaining self-care at that time, has shown me the immense needs for support and community while caring for others. I know now what I wished I knew back then and I strive to share the tools that were not there for me when I needed them. I always wonder how different my experience as a caregiver could have been if I had a support system where I felt safe, understood, and compassion for the ugly thoughts I had throughout the process. Even the most well-rounded adjusted caregivers are not exempt from these overwhelming thoughts. 

I want to help you, and keep you supported so you can continue to support others. My area of expertise is helping women who are caring for their mothers, but the emotions and issues that arise in this specific dynamic are not unfamiliar in most caregiving scenarios. It is important to me that all caregivers have a space where they can vent and talk out unfiltered feelings, concerns and emotions, past or present. Maybe it’s helping you decide what care is needed next? Or working together to find a new way to look at your situation. Or ways to find your own sanity. Let's work together to create a personalized plan and approach to identify your challenges and needs.

I am now twenty-three years post caregiving and I cannot say it doesn't still affect me. You don't forget, but you can move forward with a new mind-set. My wish is to take my experiences and help you through your journey of caregiving, because everyone needs support. Keep yourself  supported so you can continue to support others.