Category – Senior Care Service
Biographical Info
Carole Klingler, RN, BSN, is CEO and co-founder of “A Dementia Friendly LIFE: DBA LIFE a Dementia Friendly Foundation,” a 501 (c)3 grassroots ministry. Founded in October of 2016, LIFE’s mission of faith is to partner with anyone who has been touched by dementia and offer resources, education and engaging activities that improve quality of life.
LIFE is an acronym for “Linking Individuals and Families through Education and Engagement.” The organization provides four-hour Memory Cafés at local churches once a week. There is no cost to attend and people are free to leave at any time. A lunch is always provided.
Participants and caregivers are warmly welcomed and encouraged to engage in activities geared toward their interests and abilities. Socialization and holistic support utilizing staff, volunteers and community support are provided through exercise, art, music and interaction with college students. Lunch is always provided. The welcoming environment breaks down barriers to support through education and engagement.
Carole began her career as an ICU nurse at a Cleveland hospital, and served 10 years as Director of Nursing for Kendal at Oberlin, a continuing retirement community. For ten years, she has served as the Lorain County Team Leader and Community Facility Coordinator for Northeast Ohio largest nonprofit hospice and palliative care organization. Carole studied techniques and gained knowledge and understanding of successful interventions for people living with dementia through Naomi Feil and Teepa Snow. The idea of LIFE has truly been a calling!
Carole holds a BSN from Indiana Wesleyan University and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and one of three Master Trainers for Dementia Friends Ohio. She earned an Associate’s degree from Lorain County Community College (LCCC) and is an adjunct faculty member for LCCC’s Allied Health and Nursing Program. She is a former Board Member for Leadership Lorain County and serves the Lorain County Joint Vocational Advisory Council for Allied Health Students.
