Joan Turner

Parenting Parents

It was her mother’s broken hip that launched Joan Turner on a new career path. While her mother had been sick for years, this fall resulted in her being admitted into a nursing home. Her father left to cope alone at home, found he couldn’t. Suddenly she had two elderly parents requiring assistance and care, all while she was holding down a full-time demanding job in the telecommunications industry.

Single and an only child, for fifteen years Joan juggled their care, learning to access the supports and resources they needed. “The fact that I was experiencing menopause symptoms and getting little sleep, just completed the picture – stress, exhaustion and always on call, with little personal support.” confesses Joan.

First it was friends who called on her for advice and guidance, as they struggled with their aging parents. “They knew they could rely on me to provide some answers.”

Building on her experience, Joan decided to pack in her job and devote her time and energy to helping other families navigate through the maze of services available for seniors and she launched Parenting Parents. She researched the elder care market, took courses in gerontology and elder planning and trained to become a professional coach.

After the initial assessment, Joan links families to the resources and services their elderly parents need. She will visit the nursing or retirement homes; do a safety check in the home and much more. With her coaching background, she’s also able to assist siblings deal with the emotional aspects, building consensus within the family.

“I always thought something was missing from my previous career. This work is so much more rewarding and it is gratifying to know I am making a difference.” observes Joan. “This is not for the faint of heart. Building a business takes time, patience and persistence” adds Joan. “You have to stay the course and be brave.”

And for the families whose lives Joan has touched, they’re sure glad she’s around and is weathering their storm with them.