About Me
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SUPPORTING YOUR PARENTS
IN THEIR NEXT CHAPTER
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Research Shows that Social Connections are Key to
Well-Being
The happiest people, according to a 2002 Harvard study, are those who have close ties to friends and family and who are committed to spending time with them. If you’re like me, you believe this wholeheartedly, and nurturing strong bonds is a priority for you. But our relationships are constantly changing, and they’re impacted by so many things that are outside of our control. They can be complicated and messy, and the definition of a “good relationship” is never black and white.
In recent years, I’ve struggled with a wide array of conflicting emotions as I spent time with my dad who suffered from Alzheimer’s and helped my mom with a move that involved major downsizing. At the same time, I was helping my children work through college and career choices, and adjusting to a new routine with my husband where day-to-day parenting was no longer our primary responsibility and where he shifted from having a busy work life to being fully-retired. I wanted to give everyone what they most needed but felt like I was falling short everywhere.
“I wanted to give everyone what they most needed, but I felt like I was falling short everywhere.”
My kids didn’t need me as much as they used to, and my parents needed me more. I was thrilled to have raised kind, bright and happy young adults who were spreading their wings and gaining independence, but a part of me missed the constant chatter, the chaos, and even the chauffeuring that accompanied life with younger children. I was proud of them and excited for their future, but I was sad that a special chapter of my life (and my husband’s and my life together) was coming to an end.
My dad’s decline marked another ending, and, although my mom’s situation was entirely different, her life was also changing significantly — as was the support she needed from me. Coming to terms with so many endings while also navigating the complicated world of dementia, health insurance, Medicare, and end-of-life planning wasn’t easy. At various times, I felt frustrated, angry, sad, annoyed, guilty, resentful, hopeful, relieved, grateful, excited… you name it!
“I wanted to use what I’d learned – both the logistical and the emotional parts – to help other families.”
Eventually, sorting through my feelings enabled me to figure out how to support everyone else, while still honoring my own needs. I later realized the struggles I’d experienced weren’t unique to me, and I wanted to use what I’d learned – both the logistical and the emotional parts – to help other families.
My own firsthand experience in working with a coach — someone completely impartial and non-judgmental with no connection to my family — was much different than talking with a friend, and that’s the type of support I wanted to be able to offer. So I began a training program and became a certified life coach. Since then, I’ve helped numerous clients to create plans that allow them to feel confident and in control, so that they can really enjoy their time with their loved ones as much as possible.
When we encounter challenges, it’s natural for us to try to come up with ways to make the best of the situation. I’ve learned that there are solutions that lead to a far more positive outcome than that. I was able to find new ways of connecting with my dad in the last years of his life that brought us both more joy and comfort than I could ever have imagined. And I supported my mom in making decisions that, thankfully, allowed her to move to a perfectly-sized home without requiring me to take possession of the many things she no longer has space for. At this point, I feel good about the choices I’ve made, and I feel more closely connected to my family than ever.
If you’re ready to experience the same shifts as I did, click the button below and together we’ll look at everything that’s on your plate, we’ll explore your goals and priorities, we’ll figure out where you’re greatest challenges lie, and we’ll create a plan that enables you to feel good about the way you’re showing up for others AND caring for yourself.
Jenn Gruber, CPC, ACC, CTDS, ELI-MP
Family TRANSITION Coach
Jenn Gruber, CPC, ACC, CTDS, ELI-MP, received her certification through the nationally-renowned coaching school iPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching). She completed training as a COR.E Transitions Dynamics Specialist and as an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP), enabling her to administer the ELI assessment. She is recognized as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) by the ICF (International Coaching Federation). She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Communication Arts (double major) from James Madison University.
In the Media
Bold Journey Magazine
"Meet Jenn Gruber"
What’s Your Plan, Steve Lorberbaum
"Strengthening Family Bonds: Communication Tips with Life Coach Jenn Gruber"
PositiveAging Sourcebook, Steve Gurney
"Navigating Difficult Conversations: Expert Insights on Aging and Family Communication"
PositiveAging Sourcebook, Steve Gurney
"CircleTalk: Everyone Deserves to Belong to Something"
If Only, Brenda McGregor
"If Only I Hadn't Missed My Calling with Jenn Gruber"
Dementia Empowered, Patrick Cawley
"Navigating Dementia Care Can Be Tough For Family Caregivers Everyday"
Becoming My Stronger Me, Nassim Ebrahimi
"Lessons from Life Coach Jenn Gruber"
