For 12 years Jane Marks served as the executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, WV Chapter. Not only did she effectively grow the programs and outreach of the organization, she became the face of Alzheimer’s across the region. On July 1, she retired as executive director of the West Virginia Chapter and is adapting to her “new normal” as she describes it.
“For the past three years, I have tried to balance my role as executive director of a fast paced non-profit, being a wife, a mother, and the primary caregiver for my 86 year old mother. When I learned I would become a grandmother this summer, I concluded that trying to manage all facets of my life while keeping my sanity was just not going to be possible!” said Marks.
At the Association’s annual Thanks for the Memories Luncheon in May, Marks officially announced her retirement, although she will continue to work on several projects for the WV Chapter. She has also launched a new website, www.sandwichcaring.com. Marks shared, “Several years ago the term ‘sandwich generation’ became popular. I have broadened the term to include all who may be sandwiched between career, children, grandchildren, our hobbies and interests and care of our aging parents. There are many of us, and we need a place to come together, share, commiserate, and find good advice as we adjust to this new normal. I am inviting them to sit down at the Sandwich Counter!”
The website includes links to other helpful sites, the Sandwich Counter Blog and features Marks as an available speaker and trainer. For years Jane has been a sought after speaker on all facets of aging and dementia. In 2011, she visited England to participate in workshops around a new philosophy of dementia care. Over the past year she has presented several workshops on this new philosophy, most recently this spring’s National Association of Social Work Conference where she was also named the NASW WV Public Citizen of the Year.
While enjoying her new grandson, Marks hopes to also reach out to others who are juggling their “sandwich” role through the website and her speaking. “For twelve years I have worked with and for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. My empathy and passion for them has not diminished. I am simply transitioning to a new role.”
For more information contact Jane at janesandwichcaring@gmail.com.
Jane Marks
