Finding Rose

"...(a) tender novel that handles dementia with compassion and practicality through its story... with a Hallmark movie quality to characters' interactions... the story becomes a meaningful way to educate the audience about dementia." -- FOREWORD CLARION REVIEWS

Rose is delightful, flamboyant and a widow. Having just lost her husband, Rose's daughter steps in to find Rose increasingly disoriented and forgetful. Even as a nurse, Maureen does not recognize the early signs of her mother's dementia - a diagnosis that changes her mother's life and those close to her.

The contrast between the reality of Rose's condition and the "Casablanca Style" in which she lived is stark yet beautiful.

The story follows Maureen and Rose as Maureen learns skills to open communication with her mother through her mother's confusion, being open to stories from the past that may be new to her, how to work through being part of the Sandwich Generation and understanding family conflict arising from a dementia diagnosis.

Through Maureen, you will learn practical skills to understand and communicate with someone with dementia at the early and middle stages. It gives insight into what it feels like to have dementia and how to answer difficult questions without using reality orientation or the therapeutic lie such as "Where is my husband?" when they have passed away - maybe a long time ago. It helps families understand they are not alone.

This book parallels Still Alice's medical description of the illness but picks up where Still Alice leaves off. Finding Rose provides practical application for how to stay connected with your loved ones.

Angelia Brigance had the privilege of growing up with her grandparents. As a result, she was able to truly understand the gift that the elderly are to us and the importance of treating them with dignity, respect, and love. This understanding grew into a passion for helping the senior community thrive, with a focus on helping people understand and communicate with those who have dementia. She uses her heart for Seniors to fuel herself to continue to be a leader in the senior community.

In addition to her 25 years of on-the-job experience, she has an Associates Degree in Developmental Disabilities, a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and a Masters of Science in Counseling. She has also successfully completed studies in Geriatrics, Validation, and Neurolinguistic Programming. Angelia's experience and education allow her to successfully coach and train professionals, families, and businesses in the senior world.

Angelia is a member of the Washington Athletic Club Speakers Bureau and is published in their magazine. She has also been published in other local magazines on issues affecting seniors and was interviewed on New Day Northwest. She has taught communications, conflict resolution, and leadership skills for a variety of companies, including Starbucks. Most recently she was a guest teacher at Northwest University.

In the last few years, Angelia has survived a ruptured brain aneurysm and Stage 3 Lung Cancer, which has motivated her now more than ever to help others feel gratitude and optimism in the face of their own personal life challenges. Angelia is married with two adult children, one grandson, and enjoys spending the weekends hiking with her husband and two dogs.