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Mission and Goals

 

Caregiver Cards mission is to provide picture-based communication aids to allow those with complex communication needs to communicate with the people important to them.

Caregiver Cards LLC created an exciting, first of its kind assistive tool  in 2012. Caregiver Cards Communication Cue Cards helps overcome communication barriers to persons living with speech and memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), stroke, autism and other disorders. Caregiver Cards helps communicate the needs, wants and feelings of individuals with memory or speech impairments to their caregiver, family, and health care professionals.

The goals of Caregiver Cards are to improve communication, stimulate memory, promote independence, reduce anxiety, and care for the caregiver. A cared for caregiver will be the healthy marker that we measure success on. Caregiver Cards will strive to always expand and progress to meet the ever changing roles and demands on the caregivers. We take pride in knowing that we are here and available to help professional and family, informal caregivers .

Barbara wishes, firstly, to give honor, praise and credit to Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior, proclaiming through Him all things are possible! “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves for the rights of all who are destitute.” (Proverbs 31:8)

Barbara Worthington is the founder and owner of Caregiver Cards. Barbara’s experiences with memory/neurological and speech impairments spans both her professional and personal life.  Barbara Worthington has over 20 years of experience and knowledge related to providing care to persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. 

Barbara has firsthand knowledge of the joys and challenges that come with being an informal,  family  caregiver to a loved one with Alzheimer’s and related dementia as she has cared for three family members who lived with Alzheimer’s and related dementia.  Barbara was also born with severe hearing loss, and learned the benefits of alternative communication. Additionally, Barbara has a wonderful daughter who also has autism and requires AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) to successfully communicate.

Barbara also has completed educational degrees and certifications that have allowed her to have a unique understanding of challenges faced by the Alzheimer’s community. Barbara has an Associates of Applied Science degree in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Education, and, most recently, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Gerontology.

Barbara has additional unique experiences working for or volunteering with Alzheimer’s Association, the Alzheimer’s Network of Oregon, the Special Olympics of Oregon, and local memory care centers, schools and churches. Currently, Barbara is also employed as a Life Enrichment Leader for a memory care center, and is enjoying providing engaging activities that help promote optimal quality of life for the community residents.

Mark Worthington is the CIO and technical guru of Caregiver Cards. He is also the husband of owner Barbara Worthington. Mark has personal experience with Alzheimer’s disease. While working full time as a Network Administrator, Mark would also provide care giving to Barbara’s maternal grandmother, Granga. It was this dedication, hard work, and care that helped support the dream of what is now Caregiver Cards. Professionally, Mark Worthington has over 12 years of experience in computers and Information Technology. Many years have been involved in website development and systems administration. Mark has an Associate’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s of Science in Business with a focus in Management Information Technology.