What People Say:
Caregivers…
Professionals…
“Rochelle, thank you so much for our time together yesterday. I had a huge cry after our call. It was a kind of release: into more feelings, sure, but also into a knowledge of what needs to happen, instead of uncertainty. Thank you for being so crystal clear and offering such actionable approaches to caring for my mom, without sugar coating anything. It’s really what I need to be able to move into the next phase of caregiving. I am so grateful to you for all that you do. JJ and I had dinner with a friend last night and all we could talk about for the first 1/2 hour was your wisdom. Thank you. ”
Anna Y
Caregiver
I reached out to Rochelle when I became overwhelmed trying to care for my 92 year old mother who was suffering from dementia.
With kindness and compassion Rochelle provided me with strategies to more successfully communicate with my mother. Armed with a wealth of knowledge she skillfully guided and supported me through the painful process of coming to terms with the extent of my mother’s declining abilities and increasing care needs that were not being well served even with 24/7 in home care.
Once I decided to explore assisted living options, Rochelle was by my side , talking me through all of my doubts and ongoing reservations about “taking away my mother’s independence” and moving her out of her home. She quickly and accurately gained an understanding of how life long family dynamics were impacting me emotionally and, at times, interfering with the clear headed thinking that was necessary to follow through on what I knew was the best and safest living situation for my mother. She helped me to see that making these tough decisions was actually a show of compassion and would help her to live her life with dignity.
Ultimately, I was able move my mother to a wonderful memory care community where she is receiving the safety, structure and stimulation that she needs. I would not have been able to navigate this extremely difficult transition and do what was best for my mother without Rochelle’s ongoing guidance, patience, expertise and understanding.
Rachel H.
Caregiver
“Rochelle’s guidance has been absolutely invaluable in assisting caregivers by teaching how to understand the complexities of dementia and to develop optimal, effective coping strategies…A truly caring and committed professional.”
Richard A Zweig, PhD
Professor of Psychology, Director Ferkauf Older Adult Program, Yeshiva University
“In my professional opinion there is not a more adept and passionate advisor to those affected by cognitive impairment than Rochelle Pachman. I am so grateful to have her as my trusted advisor”
Suzanne Paolucci, LCSW
NY Care Consultants LLC
"My mother’s dementia slowly progressed for many years. My father’s denial about her condition continued to get stronger. My frustration in trying to support my parents became unbearable. Thankfully, I was recommended to Rochelle Pachman, LCSW. Rochelle specializes in assisting families who are struggling to find support and guidance for their aging parents. We spoke at length and she provided me with an insight into how my mother was processing information and offered strategies to help ease the tension that was growing in the family. Rochelle’s vast knowledge of dementia and gentle approach were critical in helping my dad see the need to have an aide in the house during the day. My mother’s level of care increased dramatically over the last few months, putting additional stress on my dad. Once again, Rochelle was by our side as we started to look at assisted living communities. Rochelle offered some feedback and coached us through the difficult steps of our plan. She continually reassured us that this move was the best option for my mom and my dad. Our family is so grateful for Rochelle, her time, her support and her compassion."
Adam F.
Caregiver
"I have had the pleasure of working with Rochelle for over 2 decades. Having worked with her in the most complex situations, I can state, unequivocally, that she is unequalled in her breadth and depth of knowledge about caregivers and dementia. I have watched firsthand as she has provided essential assistance, tools, and comfort to caregivers. A meeting with her can be invaluable in your journey as caregivers."
Alan L Steinberg, MD
Principal Psychiatrist, East End Neuropsychiatric Associates
Assistant Professor, Geriatric Medicine and Psychiatry, Stony Brook University
Former Medical Director, Center for Excellence in Alzheimer's Disease, Stony Brook University
"Many thanks for the time spent with us...you gave us insights no physician ever provided."
Ann B.
Caregiver
“I have known Rochelle Pachman professionally for about 10 plus years through her work as a licensed clinical social worker at East End Neuropsychiatric Associates. Rochelle is someone who I’ve always found to be a true expert in the field of dementia care. Her knowledge and the guidance that she provides is very applicable and practical for families and professional caregivers coping with a dementia patient’s cognitive deficits.
Rochelle provided an excellent training program to our professional caregiving staff on dementia care. Her training included hands-on tips and tools to manage the resistance to personal care tasks that is commonly encountered with dementia patients as well as communication methods that work best. Our staff absolutely loved her training and took away a wealth of knowledge to apply directly to their work.
Rochelle has always been professional, compassionate, and approachable in all the years that I’ve known her. She gives family caregivers the confidence and empowerment to face the issues that arise when caring for a person living with dementia and would be an asset to any family or professional caregiver who utilizes her services. She gets to the heart of the issues that family caregivers face when providing care to a loved one with dementia and also helps them to understand their circumstances through the lens of a person living with this disease.”
Jennifer Benjamin
Family First Home Companions
“I am not sure I can adequately put into words the invaluable guidance my family has received from Rochelle Pachman. We all know how to seek help when we have plumbing, dental, legal, pet issues, etc. Suddenly when you are faced with aging family members there are physical and emotional decisions that feel insurmountable. Finding the right professional to help navigate the resources and approach to take with your elderly parent or loved one is daunting yet essential. That professional is Rochelle Pachman. She is the light in the tunnel whose expertise will guide you through these unbelievably challenging times. I feel so fortunate to have benefited from her expertise. She is not only compassionate but is extremely knowledgeable and expert in this field. Her proficiency and skills helped guide me through this gut- wrenching time. My dad, a fiercely independent and strong man, is elderly and what seems like overnight, is beginning to fail physically and mentally. Things that used to be mostly effortless such as speaking with him logically has now become an obstacle course. Rochelle was able to counsel me as to the best way to speak with my dad to get him the help he needs and deal with him on a daily basis. In speaking with Rochelle, she also helped me to understand the feelings and thoughts my dad was having as his cognition is beginning to fail. Rochelle has helped to ease my suffering and burden and I can't recommend her enough. Thank you, Rochelle!”
Sari L.
Caregiver
“I was referred to Rochelle Pachman by a psychologist specializing in adult psychology and aging that I consulted regarding my aging mom. Rochelle is knowledgeable, caring and practical. She offers concrete solutions and recommendations. With Rochelle's help, mom will thrive in the next chapter of her life. Thank you, Rochelle!”
Rich K
Caregiver