My Story

Mark Scheid, Caregiver Coach & Advocate

I created Caregiver Pathways to be the resource I wished had existed when I was navigating my own parents’ aging journey; a place where overwhelmed, exhausted caregivers can get real help, peace of mind, and a clear plan for Mom and Dad—without getting lost in an endless maze of information or sales pitches.

Near the end of my 30-year career in financial services, I started noticing changes in my parents as they moved through their 70s. At first, it was small things—mom slowing down, dad forgetting details—but with a demanding job and three kids to raise, I told myself they were insignificant observations, because facing the reality felt overwhelming. 

Then everything changed. My dad was diagnosed with dementia. Around the same time, my mom—my strong, independent mom—started falling. A lot. Each time, I’d ask myself, "What is happening?!"

With every trip home from a doctor visit, I found myself frantically googling: Alzheimer’s symptoms. Aging parents and driving. In-home care. When is it time for assisted living? The flood of information was overwhelming—links, checklists, and endless experts offering “solutions.” But when I actually picked up the phone for help, instead of being met with guidance I was met with a sales pitch.

I didn’t need a transaction. I needed someone to listen. Someone to help me think through the big picture—not just what my parents needed now, but what was coming next. I also needed better ways to communicate with them so they could still feel in control of their lives. 

That’s why Caregiver Pathways exists ... to help families navigate difficult conversations, plan for the future, and take action with confidence. Because no one should have to figure this out alone.