Ruthie Barkus
RN, BSN, CDP, CPRS
"“Those with Dementia may have a brain that works much differently than ours. But if we link our hands together we can overcome anything.” - Teepa Snow"
Ruthie considers what she does a passion more than a job. She is focused on learning about your loved one so that she can narrow down the key criteria to help her find the right care options for your loved one. She carefully assesses all of her client’s needs, concerns, and preferences before recommending appropriate levels of care such as: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, or In-Home Care. Ruthie wants to promote independence in her seniors as well as to ensure a good quality of life. She will assist you with the proper resources to make this happen.
Ruthie had to care for both her mother with dementia and also the complexities of post-stroke care with her mother-in-law. She is an avid advocate for Mental Health for seniors. She recognizes that we as a society have a Mental Health Crisis on our hands. Many of our seniors have been isolated and sedentary due to covid. Ruthie will work with her families, the doctors, and the communities to encourage mental health and physical therapy assessments. This is part of her approach to ensuring that the seniors have access to the resources that will keep them thriving in the “Golden Years”!
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Spotlight On Ruthie Barkus
About Ruthie:
Ruthie is widowed and has 4 daughters. Her mother moved in with her for 5 years after being diagnosed with dementia. Her mother-in-law was placed into an acute rehab following her stroke and then a rehab facility. She then brought her home to care for her. She involved her children and her husband in the care of both moms to try and teach them the value of family and caring for those you love. At the time, she didn’t know she would be training for her new career. These experiences helped her understand the emotions and the complexity that goes into finding not only the right facility but a safe facility. It can be overwhelming with so many to choose from with such little time. She also witnessed firsthand the burnout a caregiver can feel when trying to juggle the kids, house, sports, and moms, while her husband traveled for work. She gets it! Caring for her mom with dementia, there were days that she wanted to give up, days that she was frustrated, and days that she would mourn the loss of her best friend. She understands how hard it can be to place a parent and all the guilt and feelings that go with it.
Why I Do This:
It feels rewarding for her to know that she has a positive impact on making sure that her clients get the care they deserve. While knowing that the system is not perfect, she understands that people need her and will keep going as long as they do.
Years In Area:
She has lived in the area for 27 years and loves the small-town community feel. She is fortunate to have the neighbors, family, and friends that she has in her current and surrounding areas.
Before CarePatrol:
Prior to CarePatrol, she was a registered nurse with a background in Telemetry, DIC, Neurology, and Hospice. She was also a nurse for an insurance company working in Prior Authorization. However, she had to hang up her floor nursing shoes after a number of back surgeries.
Best Traits:
Ruthie would describe herself as compassionate, caring, and an advocate.
Favorite Movie:
Fast and Furious (All)
Favorite Book:
Medical journals and articles