On the latest episode of Health Futures: Taking Stock in You, host Bob Roth welcomed Debbie Gross, owner of Home Instead franchise locations in Arizona and board member at AllThrive 365. Debbie shared her remarkable path from a successful engineering career in semiconductors to becoming a passionate advocate for families navigating dementia and caregiving.
🎧 For the full episode, CLICK HERE
When Personal Experience Changes Everything
Debbie spent over two decades in the semiconductor industry, traveling the globe and leading operations for major companies. But life took a turn when her father, a brilliant physicist with a PhD from Oxford, was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, an early form of dementia.
At first, the signs were subtle, moments of forgetfulness that could be explained away. But then came a sailing trip where her father, once an expert sailor, ran the boat aground and didn’t know what had happened. From there, his decline became clearer.
Her family suddenly faced a new reality, frequent falls, emergency room visits, and the daily stress of caregiving. Like so many families, they didn’t know where to turn or what resources were available. Debbie recalls standing in the shower with her mother, trying to help her father bathe, and realizing: “We can’t do this alone.”
Discovering the Power of Support
Professional caregivers became a lifeline. They didn’t just assist with tasks like mobility, hygiene, and daily routines, they gave Debbie’s father companionship and her mother critical relief.
One caregiver played guitar with him and sat quietly outside for hours, offering comfort through presence. Another helped organize the household and gave Debbie’s mom the strength to keep going. Those relationships transformed not only her father’s final years but also the family’s ability to cope.
Debbie described how those bonds gave her dad dignity and allowed him to remain at home until his final breath, something every family hopes for.
Advocacy Through AllThrive 365
Today, Debbie channels her experience into advocacy, serving on the board of AllThrive 365 (formerly Foundation for Senior Living). The organization is committed to ensuring that every Arizonan can age with dignity and confidence, providing resources, education, and connections to families in need.
She also facilitates support groups and community programs that help caregivers find strength and practical tools, because, as she shared, “families don’t have to go through this alone.”
A Shared Commitment
At Cypress HomeCare Solutions, we know firsthand that families navigating dementia or chronic illness often feel isolated. Stories like Debbie’s underscore the importance of resources, community, and compassion. By raising awareness and connecting families with the right support, we can help more people age safely and comfortably at home.
đź“Ś Learn More
Explore caregiver resources at AllThrive365.org
Discover how Cypress supports families at CypressHomeCare.com or call us at (602) 755-9584
🎧 Catch the full episode of Health Futures: Taking Stock in You at CypressHomeCare.com/media/radio-show.
đź“ť This content is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult professionals regarding your individual needs.
