About
One person. Fully present.
My master’s in communication taught me all about intimate relationships: relationship dynamics, clear communication, conflict resolution, non-verbal cues. It was a degree that qualified me for everything and nothing simultaneously. I wove my career around services to older adults: working for a large nonprofit serving seniors in Durham, a continuing care retirement community, a home health agency, and the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services, as well as providing hand hygiene infection control education in nursing homes throughout North America. In 2014 I realized I'd worked almost all aspects of aging except direct care, so turned my ship in that direction. I discovered there is no more intimate relationship than caring for another. The two services I offer grew out of my own experiences:
Caregiving Travel Companion
My mother and I traveled the world together and I provided more support as she grew older. Whether it was arranging for (or pushing) a wheelchair at the airport, coordinating our activities to match her energy level, carrying a travel chair as we explored the streets of Florence so she could sit and rest, or offering my forearm as we climbed up steps ... helping her was deeply satisfying. Her 90th birthday was a celebration with friends in Costa Rica, and two years later we celebrated my birthday with my three siblings in Iceland. I witnessed how in spite of her love of traveling, it became increasingly difficult as she grew older. It was only through the assistance of either me or my siblings that made some of those last trips possible. No one should miss the birth of their first grandchild, a graduation, reunion, visiting family or seeing a place they've always wanted to travel. I want to help make this possible for people who aren't comfortable traveling alone or need a little help to get there.
Substitute Caregiver/Respite Care
In 2024 I was privileged to move in with a client I had started with ten years earlier. I navigated hiring and supervising private respite relief staff and managing household affairs. Finding quality staff as caregiver resources dwindled was difficult. We had talked about this at the Division of Aging and Adult Services; how a caregiver crisis was coming. And indeed, it is here. When I needed to take a week off to go care for my own mother, weaving together 24-hour caregiving was a challenge. I didn't want to use an agency and risk rotating staff, intake coordinators, or a no-show. I wanted someone with the compassion, experience, education and good judgment to step confidently into an unfamiliar situation. When the sons were no longer available to provide weekend respite, I struggled to find someone to come in two days a week. My desire to offer substitute caregiving grew out of this awareness of the difficulty of finding someone to fill in when needed.
Testimonials
Finding Shannon was an absolute blessing—she was an angel sent from above. I needed someone who was kind, friendly, patient, and deeply sensitive to my father's physical and emotional needs. My father needed 24x7 care; care that was carefully considered and consistent for every transition. I had devised specific techniques that didn't demand physical strength but did require attentiveness and precision—as much for safety as for my father's comfort in knowing the process would feel the same regardless of which caregiver was with him. Shannon mastered these routines with care and grace. And this was just the tactical aspect. What truly set Shannon apart was her beautiful spirit and holistic approach to caregiving. It showed in everything she did—the gentleness of her manner, the warmth of her presence, and her genuine attentiveness to the whole person, not just the task at hand. She brought a calm, nurturing energy that made my father feel safe, respected, and cared for in the deepest sense. I was incredibly lucky to have found Shannon, and I would reach out to her in a heartbeat if I ever needed care for a loved one or myself. I recommend her without reservation.
Shannon was a great help to our family when she cared for my mother who had dementia. Shannon is trustworthy. She is honest and reliable. Shannon treated my mom with respect and looked out for her best interests. Shannon advocated for my mom with medical and retail professionals. Shannon listened to my mom and went out of her way to connect my mom socially. I give Shannon my highest recommendation.
Now accepting select bookings
If you're wondering whether this might be right for you or your family, reach out. Even just to ask a question.