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Meet Darla

Extended Love began with something simple — companionship.

What started as a desire to meet a practical need quickly grew into something much deeper.

 

When I had the privilege of caring for a beautiful 97-year-old woman named Rhoda, I began to understand that companion care is never “just” companionship. It is presence. It is dignity. It is relationship.  It is Love.

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Caring for Rhoda opened my eyes to the quiet beauty and complexity of the dementia journey. Though dementia was not part of my own family story, walking alongside her and her loved ones changed mine. I saw firsthand how meaningful it is to meet someone in their world — not to rush them, not to correct them, but to simply be with them.

Trained End-of-Life Doula

Companion support through advanced illness and life transitions.​

Certified Life & Health Coach

Guidance rooted in holistic well-being, resilience, and practical next steps.​

Dementia-Focused Companion Care

Experience walking alongside individuals and families through every stage.​

Relationship-Centered Approach

Care that prioritizes dignity, consistency, and emotional safety.​

Faith-Informed Support (When Desired)

Respectful of each family’s values and spiritual preferences.

My Training & Approach

My training shapes how I walk alongside families.

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My training as an end-of-life doula and life & health coach has shaped the way I approach companion care. Dementia support is not task-focused — it is relational. It requires steadiness, patience, and the ability to meet someone exactly where they are.

I believe in care that honors the whole person — their history, dignity, and family. My role is not to replace family love, but to extend it.

A Different Kind of Care

To me, companion care means loving as if someone were my own family. It means creating a safe, steady space not only for the individual living with memory loss, but also for the family navigating changing roles and decisions.

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Extended Love was built on the belief that care should feel relational — not task-driven. Consistency matters. Presence matters.  And Trust matters.

Faith informs my life and my work, but support is always offered in a way that honors what is meaningful to you.

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As my sweet friend Rhoda would say — with her heart —
“Love your family… and everyone is family.”
That spirit continues to guide everything I do.

Walking Alongside You

If you are navigating early changes, caregiving transitions, or more advanced stages of dementia, you do not have to do it alone.

It would be an honor to walk alongside your family with steady presence and extended love.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Every family’s journey with dementia is unique. Whether you are exploring companion support for the first time or walking through more complex transitions, you deserve steady guidance and compassionate presence.

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If you feel that Extended Love may be the right fit for your family, I would be honored to connect with you.

A gentle first step.

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