I was a television executive, but I barely survived as a caregiver to my (once-adoring) challenging father and sweet ailing mother, both with early Alzheimer’s not diagnosed for over a year. But after fighting through the medical system and depleting my parents’ life savings and much of my own--I figured everything out medically, behaviorally, socially, legally, financially and emotionally.
Passion to save others resulted in the bestselling book “Elder Rage”; launching the Coping With Caregiving radio program; media including TODAY, CNN, PBS Alzheimer's Documentary, Woman’s Day, Prevention, AARP Bulletin cover story; on Board of Directors of FAIR Foundation, advocating for Fair Allocations in Research funds from Congress and the NIH; hundreds of presentations including to California Governor’s Conference, National Security Agency (closed-circuit to 36,000 employees worldwide), National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and Florida House of Representatives. www.elderrage.com/speakingengagements.htm
ELDER RAGEis a Book-of-the-Month Club selection (caregiving book first), receiving 500+ 5-Star Amazon reviews, considered for a feature film. Over 50 endorsements include: Hugh Downs, Regis Philbin, John Hopkins Memory Clinic, Duke University Center for Aging and Harvard Medical School. The Addendum by renowned neurologist/dementia specialist, Rodman Shankle, MS MD makes it also valuable for healthcare professionals/doctors and required reading at numerous universities for courses in geriatric assessment and management. www.elderrage.com/Review.asp
MISSIONS:To help improve eldercare laws; encourage long-term care planning/insurance; show healthcare professionals how they can better help families; provide solutions and hope to caregivers; advocate for fair funding for Alzheimer’s research and heighten early diagnosis awareness; expose elder abuse and exploitation; bring attention to the value of Adult Day Care which saved my parents’ lives as well as my own. I’ve testified before the Assistant Secretary on Aging and received a Media Award from the National Adult Day Services Association. I was also honored with Advocate of the Year from the National Association of Women Business Owners at their Remarkable Women Awards. www.ElderRage.com
Seminar/Caregiving CD's Available:
14/hr CD, which includes my 2½ hr seminar lecture, plus valuable information from 12 top eldercare experts. Inquire for prices: www.ElderRage.com
SPEAKING REFERENCES
Jacqueline, thank you so much for your superb presentation at our Alzheimer's Seminar. The audience included dementia specialists, senior neurologists, neuro-psychologists, scientists, nurses, students, and family caregivers who came specifically to hear you. And what a fabulous presentation it was! Your ability to combine humor, personal insight, wisdom, and critical meaningful guidance to all of us involved in the care for those with dementia was sensational. Each gained useful tips and tools that will enrich our professional practices and personal experiences.
—R. Stern, Ph.D., Boston University School of Medicine
Jacqueline was a smash-hit keynoter at our Annual Arkansas Aging Conference. She was totally at ease in front of more than 500 rapt listeners with animated, emphatic, witty and wise stories of sorrow and success as a caregiver. Then, after an extra 90-minute presentation (which still left us all wanting even more) she was accessible, empathetic, welcoming and warm with all who approached for an autographed copy of her remarkable bestseller — many receiving hugs along with personalized advice. We are so pleased Jacqueline came to speak and teach—no, we are delighted!
—Ron Tatus, Arkansas Dept of Health and Human Services
Without exception, our 300+ participants highly rated Jacqueline’s presentation as excellent! She expertly and humorously educates by strengthening the hearts of family caregivers—while empowering the mission of professional caregivers.
—Joan Douthit, BSA Hospice, Amarillo, TX
Thank you so much for your outstanding keynote at our International Elder Care Conference! You educated and inspired over 300 nurses and healthcare professionals who earned CEU’s, and who rated your session quite highly. Comment: ‘It was an excellent conference and I really enjoyed Jacqueline’s presentation!’
— Becky Bays, Registered Nurses' Association, Toronto
Your information will help so many more people than the 80 who heard you because you educated presidents of major U.S. corporations about the importance of early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, and the treatments that can help delay fulltime care. We will spread your knowledge to thousands of employees, which will save heartache, careers and money, because fewer hours will be needed away from the workplace to care for aging loved ones. That, in turn, will help America’s productivity. Your presentation was invaluable!
—Scott Martineau, Young Presidents’ Organization
Thank you for making our event a true success — the highest attended our agency has ever conducted. We typically get 50, but over 450 came to hear you! Four sponsors, who’ve never sponsored our events, requested we consider them for future sponsorship. Your presentation received incredibly great reviews. One caregiver wrote, ‘Ms. Marcell is a delight. I was at the brink of tears at arrival, but now I feel confident to face the future.’
—Brenda Brown, Office for Aging, Caregiver Support, NY
You MUST have Jacqueline speak to your group! She communicates a powerful message to caregivers, which most just can’t grasp from healthcare professionals. She has lived what they are living and struggled with what they are struggling, which gives her credibility and compassion like no one else. She is absolutely fantastic in her sincere and entertaining presentation! After expenses, we presented the Office on Aging with a $3,235 check for their Senior Emergency Fund, which we would not have been able to do without all her help.
—Gina Shaffer Law Office, LLC, Bel Air, MD
We are overjoyed with your presentations! You held the audience’s attention over two hours with incredible compassion, humor and candid heartfelt honesty. We sincerely appreciated your easy-going manner, graciousness, and planning including your extensive Guidelines and suggestions, which made our jobs so much easier! Attendees wrote: ‘Hearing Jacqueline's experience was priceless.’…’There’s nothing more helpful than to hear from the heart of one who has been there.’…’I came 90 miles to hear her and it was worth every mile!’ Thanks Jacqueline — you are the greatest!!
—Lori Kostors, Family Caregiver Support Program, WA
Thank you so much for your informative presentation at our annual symposium, providing members with a broader perspective on financial and life planning. By educating on the beginning of Alzheimer’s/dementia and the resultant caregiving and eldercare issues that can arise, we have greater insight and are better equipped to help our clients. The evaluations are excellent—and thank you for donating $5 per book to our organization.
—Robert Bjur, CFP®, Financial Planning Assoc of Puget Sound