All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Debbi McCune and Bill Kelly from Living Well with Dementia Sisters as guests to the show.

 

About Debbi McCune, Executive Director of Living Well with Dementia Sisters:

 

Debbi McCune is the executive director of LWWDS a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with dementia and their care partners to live fulfilling lives. As a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional, and dementia care partner to her husband, Debbi brings both professional expertise and deeply personal experience to her advocacy.

 

She is also the Principal Broker and Owner of Next Phase Realty in Sisters, Oregon, and an active community leader. Currently pursuing her certification as a Dementia Doula, Debbi is passionate about supporting families through every stage of the dementia journey, from diagnosis to end-of-life, with compassion, dignity, and grace.

 

About Bill Kelly, Director of Community Outreach:

 

Bill Kelly is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in the water industry, known for driving innovation and empowering startup ventures. He currently serves as Chairman of the City of Sisters Public Works Advisory Committee, and past President of the Rotary Club of Sisters, where he championed local and global service initiatives.

 

Bill also serves as the Director of Community Outreach and Finances for Living Well With Dementia Sisters, bringing his passion for connection and sustainable growth to support families navigating dementia. His career is marked by a dedication to collaboration, community leadership, and making a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.

 

About Living Well with Dementia Sisters (LLWDS):

 

Living Well With Dementia Sisters (LWWDS) is dedicated to empowering individuals living with dementia and their care partners through compassionate support, targeted resources, and meaningful education. Rooted in the belief that every person deserves to age with dignity and purpose, our mission is to foster a community where those affected by dementia feel valued, understood, and equipped to navigate the journey ahead. We are committed to creating an environment that encourages aging gracefully and living well, with resources and guidance tailored to the unique needs of our community.

 

Through support groups and educational presentations, LWWDS provides practical tools and knowledge to help families and care partners better understand the progression of dementia and its impact on daily life. By learning to recognize behaviors and symptoms, care partners are empowered to support their loved ones in maintaining independence for as long as possible. Our goal is to shift the focus from limitations to possibilities reminding both individuals living with dementia and their care partners that they can continue to experience joy, purpose, and connection throughout the journey.

 

Our vision extends beyond individual support to cultivating a broader culture of well-being in Sisters, Oregon. We aim to create a community-wide emphasis on health and longevity, positioning Sisters as the healthiest small community in the nation and a model for other towns to follow. Through collaboration, education, and genuine human connection, we strive to ensure that no one facing dementia feels alone and that together, we can create a compassionate and thriving community for all.