The Lighthouse
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"A beacon of compassion guiding you through
the ebb and flow of dementia care"
Welcome
This space was built by and for those walking the challenging, often lonely path of dementia caregiving. We’re creating a safe haven designed to help you pierce through the daily fog of Alzheimer’s with clarity and confidence and a whole lot less stress.
So, grab a cup of coffee and pull up a chair. We’re glad you’re here—stay a while, get to know us, and remember that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
Our Offerings
​Coaching: For Beacon Seekers
In the fog of a dementia diagnosis, when everything can feel dark and overwhelming, navigating the path forward may seem impossible. We are honored to be there from the moment the diagnosis casts a shadow, through the emotional landscape of acceptance to the passing. It's been said, "Dementia care is a marathon, not a sprint," and the journey is known as "the long goodbye". We encourage you not to go it alone. Coaching services provide a listening ear, affirmation, reassurance, emphasis on the importance of self-care, and practical, personalized coping strategies to help prevent burnout.
Support Groups: Building Community
Dementia support groups offer a unique sense of camaraderie, connecting you with others who truly understand the unspoken weight of the caregiving journey. This is more than just a meeting; it is a Safe Haven—a judgment-free space where you can be completely transparent about the raw struggles and the small, beautiful wins that define your daily life. By sharing these experiences with a community that "just gets it," the isolation of caregiving begins to fade, and is replaced by the strength found in shared wisdom.
It's imperative to know you are surrounded by a circle of support.
1:1 Coaching
Support Groups
Legacy Work: Anchoring the Family StoryL
​Legacy work is a profound act of love that transforms a lifetime of memories into a tangible bridge between the past and the future. By intentionally curating a loved one’s photographs, cherished memorabilia, and sentimental trinkets, you create a rich landscape for reminiscence, allowing their unique story to be told. This process does more than just organize the past; it anchors a family’s identity, ensuring that the essence of a life—their values, their laughter, and their journey—becomes a lasting legacy. We are honored to facilitate reminiscence therapy and guide you during the time of gathering.
Legacy Work
Care Navigation: Guidance for the Journey
While hospice and palliative care expertly manage the medical complexities of the journey, The Lighthouse stands ready to help you understand the world of long-term care options. We often assist with community resource education and referrals. By partnering with us for care planning, you gain a constant, watchful presence dedicated to bridging the divide between medical necessity and the holistic, everyday support your family deserves.
Care Guidance
Vigil Support
As your loved one prepares to transition, the hospice team stands ready to offer medical expertise and support. Often though, they are unable to remain at bedside as they have large caseloads. So as the tides of grief pull at the heart, we stand as a quiet anchor, ensuring no one has to navigate the fog of the final good-bye alone. Ideally, we flow in tandem with hospice serving as a midwife to the soul as we remind you that just as you say your final farewell, your loved one is being welcomed to their first sunrise in heaven.
Civic Responsibility
​At The Lighthouse, we believe that building a stronger community starts with understanding. We are honored to partner with churches, civic clubs, schools, and senior care organizations to provide essential education. Our goal goes beyond sharing facts; we focus on the heart of the matter—teaching neighbors and professionals alike how to truly communicate and connect with those experiencing memory loss.
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Presence at Vigil
Civic Responsiblity
About Us
As I sit here, trying to think of what to write about myself, I hear the Jeopardy! final round theme song playing in my ears. Did you know it was written by Merv Griffin as a lullaby for his son? Fun facts you learn when you’re procrastinating a task. A dreaded task! I don't want to bore you with my resume—you can find those details on LinkedIn. Yes, I’ve had 25-plus years of experience in hospice and have worked in dementia care since I was in my early twenties, but there is a deeper foundation beneath those years. The truth is, I understand this journey not just because of my credentials, but because I’ve lived it. Bearing witness to my mother’s journey with dementia—the woman who had once cared for my dad with young onset Alzheimer's—changed me. It became part of me.
I’ve seen both sides of the storm. I know the exhaustion, and I know the beauty. My passion is ensuring that you don't just "survive" this role, but that you find the support to keep your own light burning while you care for theirs. I look forward to pulling up a chair, having a cup of coffee, and hearing your story.
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​Long from LinkedIn
For over two decades, I’ve walked alongside families navigating some of life’s most quiet and profound transitions. My journey in healthcare hasn’t been a traditional climb up a corporate ladder; it’s been more like a scenic roller coaster where the safety bar is held together by empathy and caffeine. I’ve looped through roles as a volunteer coordinator, social worker, and bereavement coordinator, eventually reaching the peak as a Program Director—where I had the honor of leading our team to receive the "Most Improved Office" award among 53 offices across the country.
From the bustling energy of adult day care and nursing homes to the sacred, still spaces of inpatient hospice houses, I’ve learned that care is never one-size-fits-all. This philosophy has led me to share insights on Table Talk and PBS segments, discussing "matters of the heart" that often go unspoken—from helping children navigate the weight of grief to managing the "Long Goodbye" of Alzheimer’s. My work, including publications like RENEW: 7 days to a more positive outlook, is filled with stories of my hospice heroes who taught me how to cherish life as they were losing theirs. I have a soft spot for caregivers having cared for both my parents with dementia. My lofty goal is ensuring that no caregiver has to walk their path alone.
On a Personal Note
When I’m not professionalizing the "soft landing," you can usually find me in the garden, bird-watching, or out on a long walk. However, my most intensive "cardio" comes from my grandchildren. People ask how I’ve maintained my stamina after 25 years in hospice care, and the truth is simple: chasing toddlers is the only thing that actually makes a 12-hour shift in a care home feel like a relaxing day at the spa.
Let’s Connect
I'm always open to discussing dementia-friendly communities, caregiver support, and legacy work. If you're looking for a speaker, a consultant, or just a fellow gardener to swap bird-watching tips with, I’d love to hear from you.
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KATIE GALLANT
