Today, we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Morante.
Melissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After a 20-year career in public relations and marketing in New York, I had the opportunity to join my family business in South Florida. Together, my sister, brother-in-law, and parents own ComForcare Senior Services, a private-duty non-medical home care agency. We serve clients from Miami through Vero Beach.
When I joined in 2016, I immediately immersed myself in the Parkinson’s community. My grandfather had Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia, and we were seeing an increase in Parkinson’s disease among our clients. I quickly got involved with the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, started facilitating a support group, shadowed a movement disorder specialist, and received my group fitness certification with a specialty in Parkinson’s exercise and senior fitness.
I currently facilitate eight support groups a month, conduct monthly training for our caregivers, and frequently speak to professionals and community members about Parkinson’s disease and the impact of diet and exercise on chronic illness.
Let’s dig deeper into the story – has it been an easy path, and if not, what challenges have you overcome?
The aging highway has a lot of potholes.
We often deal with those living with chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, MS, etc. Many times, the adult children of our clients live in different states or even countries, and so, as involved as they are and want to be, it can be quite challenging.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We’re family-owned and operated, and there are five of us. We pride ourselves on the fact that clients can always reach an owner when they need to. We have unique and extensive expertise in Alzheimer’s, with three of us nationally certified Alzheimer’s educators. I am our Parkinson’s Care Expert.
There are a lot of companies that do what we do. We like to think what separates us is our involvement in the community. We facilitate support groups, speak to groups of boomers and their aging parents, and host music sessions in adult daycare centers and assisted living facilities, just to name a few.
Before we go, can you talk to us about how people can work, collaborate, or support you?
For those who have questions about home care, they can call our office and ask to speak with one of the owners. Those who may benefit from, or know someone who may benefit from, an Alzheimer’s caregiver support group or a Parkinson’s support group can also reach out to our office for more information. We are currently running more than 20 support groups each month.
In terms of speaking engagements, we welcome the opportunity to share our knowledge and resources with those who may be interested. Our management team speaks regularly about a number of relevant topics to the aging population, including Navigating the Aging Highway, Alzheimer’s vs. Normal Aging, Parkinson’s Disease, Understanding Your Long Term Care Insurance, Finding Joy in the Journey that is Alzheimer’s, How to Hire a Caregiver, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle when living with a chronic illness just to name a few.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.comforcare.com/palmbeach
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ComForCarePalmBeachGardens
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/comforcare-senior-services-palm-beach-and-treasure-coast-46410024/
