One Life Consulting

05/28/2026

“It’s like high school all over again!”

Such was the feedback I recently received from an elderly client who had just moved into an independent living apartment at a senior living facility and was struggling to “fit in”.

She was doing all the right things – introducing herself to her neighbors, sitting with new folks each night at evening dinner, attending community events and social gatherings, and anything else she could think of to acclimate herself. But she still felt awkward.

Like she wasn’t accepted.

Like she hadn’t found her people.

Like she wasn’t in the clique.

Like she didn’t belong.

Does sound a bit like high school, doesn’t it?

As it turns out, this is a common problem for seniors making the move from their home into a senior living community. After spending most of their lives surrounded by loved ones, they now find themselves surrounded by strangers and forced to build a socialization muscle they haven’t used in years.

It can be disheartening for them, especially at first.

In my experience, it usually takes a few months, or even longer, for them to establish relationships and start to feel better about their new situation. But they almost always get there eventually.

Having said that, if you find yourself needing to help a parent transition to a senior living community, you should be aware of this potential challenge.

My suggestion is to talk about it with them beforehand.

Let them know that they might feel awkward at first, and that it’s perfectly normal to feel that way. Encourage them to be patient and to trust that they’ll make friends eventually.

Don’t pressure them too much to participate in every social event on their calendar. Sometimes, that pressure can work against them (and you).

And here’s your little ace in the hole…

As it turns out, the staff at most communities – activities directors, social workers, and other administrators – are accustomed to dealing with this situation and will go out of their way to help your parent assimilate themself into their new community. Usually, all you need to do is ask for help.

Just like high school, with a little awareness and a few key actions, what begins as an awkward situation can blossom into a fulfilling life experience.

05/22/2026

There was a moment in my life that changed everything.

It came while I was advocating for my father’s care, and realizing just how unprepared most families are for these moments.

Not just logistically, but emotionally.

Caregiving has a way of shifting everything.

Your priorities. Your time. Your energy.

And what I see so often is that the person doing the caregiving slowly disappears in the process.

In my conversation with CJ Stasik on SheHandlesIt, we talked about what it really looks like to support others while still taking care of yourself.

Because the truth is, you cannot sustain caregiving if you are running on empty.

What I’ve learned, both personally and professionally, is this:

Taking care of yourself is not selfish - it’s necessary.

And the more prepared you are, the more present you can be when it matters most.

If you are currently caring for a loved one, or know that season may be ahead of you, this conversation is for you.

You can watch my episode of SheHandlesIt here ->
https://www.thisisit.tv/she-handles-it-with-cj-stasik/season:1/videos/she-handles-it-with-ellen-donovan

Thank you, CJ, for creating space for these important conversations!

What happens when caring for others teaches you how to care for yourself? In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, CJ sits down with Ellen Donovan—RN, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and President of One Life Consulting—to talk about the pivotal moment that changed her perspective on caregiving...

05/21/2026

Today is the 3rd anniversary of One Life Consulting. 🎉 🎉 🎉

Looking back, what strikes me most is how much I've learned since I first began this journey.

About business. About people. About myself.

But the most important thing I've learned is that life is truly precious.

Somewhere along the way, we all get caught up in the noise of everyday life - the deadlines, the responsibilities, and the routines. And in those moments, it’s easy to forget just how fragile and meaningful life really is. Because the truth is, tomorrow is never promised.

So let this anniversary post serve as a gentle reminder to slow down and take a breath. Make space in your day - not just for work, but for what truly matters.

Call your loved ones. Sit with them. Listen to them. Tell them you love them. Those small moments mean everything.

Today, as One Life Consulting celebrates its 3rd anniversary, my heart is full of gratitude. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and believed in my mission to serve our older population. It’s more than work to me - it’s my purpose.

03/19/2026

Our 23rd 5-Star Google Review! ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"Ellen and team are utterly amazing. They are super caring, extremely thoughtful, exceptionally professional, and incredibly responsive. I cannot recommend them highly enough."

Thank you, Jerry!

02/18/2026

This brutal Philly winter has been tough on all of us, but it's been especially difficult for those who rely on others for assistance.

Blizzards, icy roads, and plowed-in driveways have kept adult children from reaching their elderly parents, and this has posed a real problem for many.

Sound familiar? Do you have an aging parent who either lives alone or in a senior living community?

And, has this awful weather got you thinking? 🤔

What would happen if you couldn't reach them for some reason?

Like, if you were to get sick yourself?

Or, if you wanted to go on vacation for a week?

Or, maybe even do the "snowbird" thing and head down south for a month?

Mom or dad might not be ready for a sustained investment in non-medical home care, but they do need someone to check in on them a few times a week.

Ideally, that person would be a Registered Nurse, preferably someone with a career's worth of experience working with seniors. Someone who is kind, engaging, and 100% trustworthy. Someone who knows exactly what to do and what to watch for.

How perfect would it be to have such a person on speed dial?

Well, that's where we come in!

One Life Consulting offers "check-in" packages designed for this exact situation. You can learn more here -> https://www.onelifeadvocates.com/check-ins/

Please know that you're never alone in caring for mom or dad. We're here for you!

01/25/2026

5-Star Google Reviews are the lifeblood of almost every business. But to me, they're more than that. They're personal. 👇

"Ellen is wonderful. I reached out to her during a crisis with my aging parents, and she was an absolute lifesaver during an emotional situation. Talked me through next steps and was a guiding light. She provides thoughtful, kind, expert advice and is a huge support system in a time of need. Highest recommendation." - Jen M.

Thank you so much, Jen!

01/08/2026

Looking forward to presenting at the next "Heart to Heart 4 Caregiver Workshop" on Saturday, January 17th at 9:00 AM at the Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ.

This is a setting where caregivers will be equipped with emotional, spiritual, and community resources to help support their needs. ❤️

If you're a caregiver and could use some additional support, please consider joining us. Scan the QR code below to learn more.

12/31/2025

My New Year's wish for all of you, especially for the caregivers and those who give so much of themselves to others...

May you continue to see the good in others,
May your gentle acts of kindness grow and inspire,
May you love fully, deeply, and without hesitation,
And may you sit in quiet presence when simply being there is what really matters.

Happy New Year!
- Ellen

12/22/2025

Christmas arrives in many forms, and the most important are not wrapped in paper and bows.

I was recently reminded of this by a new client, an elderly man who reached out to me late Friday night, in urgent need of help for his wife. She needed to be transferred to a specialized skilled nursing facility and was getting the runaround. His voice trembled, and I could sense that he was losing hope that she'd get the care she needed.

Time was of the essence, and I knew it. I also knew that the following day, the last Saturday before Christmas, was to be my only chance to run holiday errands, finish my shopping, and prepare to host a large Christmas dinner. For me, it was the worst possible timing.

But I also knew that the inconvenience to me paled in comparison to what they were going through, so I agreed to meet him and his wife the next morning and see how I could help them.

I arrived to find the man sitting next to his wife on the bed. She was frail, with soft grey hair and the kindest smile. In a gentle whisper, she said, "You're here to help me."

"Yes," I replied. "I am".

The man looked up at me, his big, brown eyes filled with emotion and gratitude, and said quietly, "I can see your halo."

Right then and there, the stress of holiday logistics ceased to exist, and I was immediately able to put things back into perspective.

Often, the truest gift we can bestow upon others is our presence, and the empathy, compassion, and knowledge that comes with it.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

12/07/2025

Holiday blessings take many forms, but a 5-Star Google Review like this one is among the most meaningful to me...

"I thank the day I met Ellen! I’d give her 100 stars if I could. Ellen has been so helpful, drawing on her longtime nursing background to offer advice and guidance on so many topics. My considerable worry is relieved by knowing she’s there for me."

Thank you, Abbie!