Welcome
Take a breath. You’re in a space of understanding. Dementia is often described in clinical terms, but it is lived in deeply human ones. My name is Amy Massingale and I am on the other side of where you are now - but boy, have I been there. Whether you are an individual recently diagnosed or a family member providing care, chances are you are carrying more than most people see. You may feel overwhelmed and isolated. This is a place for guidance, for grounding, and for reimagining what the dementia journey can look like - not medically, but emotionally, socially, and spiritually. We partner with you for a holistic approach that helps you navigate every aspect of the illness and the care journey. Care and wellbeing are not just about managing symptoms. They are about: -Preserving dignity -Connection -Creating joy You are doing one of the hardest things. You don't have to do it alone.
Our Mission
Both Sides
"My mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive dementia care consulting services that empower individuals, families, and care teams to navigate the challenges of dementia with confidence, dignity, and grace. I strive to create personalized care plans that honor each person's unique needs, values, and preferences, while fostering a sense of community and support for all those affected by dementia."
How We Help
Assessment
We start with a comprehensive (non-clinical) assessment to understand the specific needs and challenges of the individual facing dementia. As we are not medical in our approach, we do not diagnose or prescribe. We focus instead on the social, emotional, spiritual and other aspects of care that we believe as just as vital to well-being.
Maintenance
Once the family achieves a sense of balance and joy, we help them maintain it for the long term with our continued support and guidance. We are available to you as much or as little as needed - either on a retainer, or a per-need basis for the entire duration of the illness through end-of-life.
Personalization
Based on the assessment, we create a personalized care plan tailored to the unique situation and requirements of the individual. Our care plan integrates and is compliant with an individual's preferences, their rights, and medical treatment. We will make suggestions and recommendations, but never go above or around. We complement the medical team.
Feedback
The only thing constant in dementia care is change. Your feedback on our approach is crucial. We listen and adapt to make sure the guidance provided meets the evolving needs of the individual and their family.
Support
Both Sides supports the person with dementia, as well as the family and their care team.
We provide continuous guidance to ensure compassionate care throughout this journey. We advocate in medical settings, provide companionship and ease loneliness, develop support materials, and facilitate support groups and on-going involvement.
Type of Support
Individual living alone
Hospice and end-of-life consulting
Community caregivers
Spouse caregivers
Individual living in a care community or memory care unit
Professional care teams
Healthcare teams
Adult child caregivers
Client Stories
"I've experienced compassionate and expert care from Both Sides. It has made a significant difference in our journey."
Hannah R.
"The guidance and support from Both Sides have been invaluable in navigating the challenges of dementia care."
David L.
"I highly recommend Both Sides for their compassionate and tailored approach to dementia care."
Sophie G.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our Family's Story
Both Sides was founded by Amy Massingale. In 2017, Amy relocated her parents from Texas to Oregon to help support her father who had mid-stage Alzheimer's disease, and her mother, who developed Lewy Body dementia shortly thereafter. Amy was her parents' primary caregiver until their passing in 2021. She oversaw the care they received in an assisted living/ memory care facility, as well as cared for them in her own home during the COVID pandemic lockdown in 2020, before finding an ideal care home near her house. For a year, she was forced to visit only at the window due to the visitor restrictions imposed by the state. After her parents passing, she became involved in the advocacy group, Caregivers for Compromise, after her story of this ordeal was published in a collection of stories. From there, Amy trained to becime a Long Term Care Ombudsman for the state of Oregon, worked for the Alzheimer's Association as an educator, engaged as a senior advocate and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. She then made a career transition and worked for a memory care community in the Portland area as a Community Relations Director. Amy's unique experience has given her the perspective from "both sides" - both bedside caregiving and working in the industry. Her passion and purpose is for helping to enhance the lives of people living with dementia.