More Than Help at Home: How Lizzy Care Companions Support Families Living With Dementia

When families think about dementia care, they often picture medical appointments, medications, and big decisions. But a huge part of quality of life happens in the quieter moments at home: a familiar song, a shared story, a walk down the hallway with someone you trust.

That is where Lizzy Care Companions come in.

This month, we’re spotlighting Jackie, a Lizzy Care Companion who brings more than four decades of clinical experience and a deeply human touch to her work with families. And we’re especially proud to share the story of one of the people she supports: Penny, an artist living with dementia whose work is still being created, shared, and sold today.

From Doctor of Nursing Practice to Dementia Companion

Before joining Lizzy Care, Jackie spent 44 years at Montefiore Medical Center, where she served as a Doctor of Nursing Practice specializing in family care. After retiring from full-time practice, she knew she was not ready to step away from supporting patients and families.

“Working with clients with dementia was a natural progression of my history,” Jackie explains. “My past aligns with this supportive healthcare role as a companion. I love that I can bring my past skills to this hands-on care relationship with clients and their families.”

For Jackie, Lizzy Care offered the best of both worlds: a chance to stay connected to healthcare and a chance to build meaningful, one-on-one relationships.

Outside of visits, Jackie loves spending time with her five grandchildren (ages 1–8), being with family and friends, and has recently taken up cooking.

Penny the Artist: Creativity That Keeps Going

One of the people Jackie supports is Penny, a woman living with dementia who has discovered a powerful creative outlet in painting. Her artwork grew out of her dementia journey and has become a meaningful, therapeutic part of her life. a way to express herself, spark memories, and stay engaged. With Jackie’s support and the Lizzy Care app keeping the family in the loop, Penny’s creativity continues to be seen, shared, and celebrated.

Penny’s artwork is available to explore and purchase online, which gives her a sense of pride and purpose. It is a powerful example of what is still possible when families have the right support at home.

You can see her work here: penny-mann.pixels.com

Building Trust, One Visit at a Time

Meeting someone new can be stressful for a person living with dementia and for their family. Jackie takes a slow, respectful approach.

“I’ve found that a gentle introduction works best,” she says. “That includes meeting the client, surveying the home, and explaining the role and schedule that will be beginning.”

Early visits are not about “doing everything” at once. Instead, Jackie uses conversation and shared interests to build a foundation of trust.

“Engaging the client through common interests or history helps a lot,” she notes. “It might be talking about where they grew up, the kind of work they did, or things they’ve always loved.”

Over time, this gentle approach helps both the client and the family feel more comfortable inviting Jackie into their day-to-day life.

“Meeting Them Where They Are” in Real Life

Families often hear the phrase “meet them where they are,” but it can feel abstract. Jackie has a very practical way of thinking about it.

“It takes time for the client and family to trust you and this new relationship,” she says. “You might show the client interactive tools such as Golden Memories cards, puzzles, music and exercises. These activities stimulate discussion and familiarity.”

Jackie also uses the Lizzy Care app to keep everyone connected.

“The visit app reporting facilitates ongoing communication amongst the family and team,” she explains. “Families can see what we did together and add their own comments or insights, which makes it feel more like a shared effort.”

Turning Interests into Meaningful Activities

A big part of the companion role is finding what feels meaningful to the person, not just keeping them busy.

“As you get to know your client’s interests, you might pursue period music, sports discussion, chair exercises or yoga, puzzles and trivia,” Jackie says. “You can use the internet to look up history or places that are meaningful to them and prompt discussion.”

With Penny, that can also mean centering their time around her art — looking at her pieces, talking about what inspired them, and connecting that creative voice to the person she is today.

Safety and independence are always in the background of Jackie’s planning. She looks for ways to help a person participate as fully as they can, without overwhelming them or putting them at risk.

The goal is not perfection. It is moments of connection, confidence, and calm.

Supporting Families, Not Just Clients

Dementia changes life for everyone in the family. Jackie sees her role as supporting the whole care circle.

“Dementia care brings a unique perspective to the client and family,” she explains. “While families are often grieving the loss of their loved one’s abilities, the companion’s role is to accept the client in their present and foster the quality of the client’s daily life as best as they are able.”

Families are never an afterthought in Jackie’s work.

“Family members are part of the team and are welcome to comment on the app visit and keep the team informed,” she says. “Their insights are crucial. They know their loved one in a way no one else can.”

A Moment That Stayed With Her

When we asked Jackie to share a favorite memory, she told us about a visit that transformed once she really honed in on what mattered to her client.

“I was working with one of my clients and trying to offer stimulating period music. She did not like the music,” Jackie recalls. “I remembered her telling me that she loved singing and had been in a church choir as well as theatrical productions.”

So Jackie tried again.

“I found church music to play that she remembered and loved. She became immediately relaxed, grateful, and began to sing along. This routine is now part of our regular visits.”

It is a simple moment, but it captures what companions can do: they listen, notice, and adapt until something “clicks” and the person in front of them feels seen.

“Is a Companion Worth It?”

Families sometimes wonder whether bringing in a companion will really make a difference. Jackie understands that hesitation.

“The family is entering a new, perhaps unfamiliar relationship,” she says. “Their goal is the same as the companion’s: to facilitate quality time with their loved one that contributes to continued living and positive interactions.”

When it works well, everyone feels the difference.

“The measured effect is decreased anxiety and peace of mind for all,” Jackie says. “The client feels more supported and engaged. The family knows there is someone they can trust walking alongside them.”

At Lizzy Care, we believe companions like Jackie are one of the most powerful tools for helping people with dementia stay safe, connected, and at home for as long as possible.

If you would like to learn more about Lizzy Care Companions or how this could support your family, our team is always here to talk. And if you would like to see what is possible when creativity continues alongside dementia, you can explore and purchase Penny’s artwork here penny-mann.pixels.com.