About

Creative Solutions Specialist in Cognitive Decline

Seek, Strive & Find* a Better Way

Hello. I’m Beverly Harper. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for your interest in the Relationship Enhancement approach to care for people who experience cognitive decline.

I enjoy my work as a Personal Support Worker providing care to older adults. Where there are challenges, I like to find practical solutions that encourage learning and personal growth.

For the past 18 years, I've worked with older adults who have experienced cognitive decline at home and in institutional care. I've learned through observation and research how this condition affects our brain's ability to function and tests our ability to cope with adversity.

Brain functions might change as we age, but our feelings remain intact despite the effects of cognitive decline on the brain (Strauss, 2001).

My extensive research on brain functions and behaviours and my experience working directly with people who experience cognitive decline lead to the creation of Simile and the development of Relationship Enhancement – an innovative, sustainable approach to cognitive decline that provides meaningful care for people who live at home.

Simile refers to two people – a caregiver and the person they care for – who are often very different in age, ability and personality who find themselves connected through care.

When caregivers have the education, experiences and insights they need to provide meaningful care, they are more likely to find what is similar between themselves and the people they care for.

I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from York University in Toronto, Pastoral Counselling Courses from Saint Paul University in Ottawa, and a Personal Support Worker Certification from New Brunswick Community College as well as credentials in counselling, teaching and fundraising.

My real-world experience caring for people who experience cognitive decline differentiates me from other educational providers and gives me the ability to:

Understand a person’s experience of cognitive decline

Distinguish physical symptoms from feelings and coping skills

Find meaningful ways to engage

Develop trust

Diffuse difficult situations

Currently based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, I lived in Ottawa for over 20 years and was raised in Southern Ontario.

I have developed the Relationship Enhancement approach to care for people who experience cognitive decline and advocate a social model of care in community that is inclusive and relationship-based.

Being in community helps a person who experiences cognitive decline explore, learn and discover new ways to adapt to their changing circumstances.

Engaging in enjoyable activities with family, friends and community, offers opportunities to connect with others in meaningful ways.

Find out more about the community experience behind this picture on our Community Page. You can learn more about the Relationship Enhancement approach to care in the article “Soldier On – A PSW Story about Caregiving” here.

I can provide you with the education, experiences and insights you need to develop an Enhanced Relationship with the person you care for.

I'll show you how to provide effective support with examples from my work with people who experience cognitive decline at home, in community and in institutional care.

I look forward to assisting you in the essential work you do.

Community Support

Our vision for the future includes developing presentations for

businesses, not-for-profits and Faith-based organizations that provide community members with the tools they need to effectively support people who experience cognitive decline.

Please check back with us at this website or on Simile’s LinkedIn or Facebook pages to find out when our community presentation is available!

* From Ulysses - Lord Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892)