Cranbrook Mayne Memory Support Services

My name is Jana, I am a registered social worker and the founder of Cranbrook Mayne Memory Support Services in Cranbrook, British Columbia.

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This business was born from both professional experience and a deeply personal journey. My dad, Roy, lived with mixed dementia  (Alzheimer's and Vascular) for more than a decade. As his disease progressed, I witnessed how dementia changes not only the life of the person diagnosed, but the lives of everyone who loves and supports them. My mom, Audrey, became his primary caregiver, providing care and supervision around the clock while carrying the emotional, physical, and often unseen weight that caregiving can bring.

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I saw the stress, exhaustion, uncertainty, grief, and isolation that can exist alongside extraordinary love and devotion. I also experienced these realities myself as I became increasingly involved in my dad’s care, supported my mom, navigated complex healthcare systems, and eventually cared for both of my parents through the final chapters of their lives.

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Cranbrook Mayne Memory Support Services was founded in honour of my dad, and in recognition of my mom’s unwavering commitment as his caregiver. Their experiences continue to shape every part of my work. They taught me that families need more than information. They need practical guidance, compassionate support, advocacy, education, and someone who understands how overwhelming dementia can become.

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Professionally, I have supported hundreds of caregivers, families, and people living with dementia through education, caregiver support, healthcare navigation, advocacy, crisis intervention, and social work services. My approach is grounded in both professional knowledge and lived experience, allowing me to understand dementia from multiple perspectives: as a daughter, caregiver, advocate, educator, and registered social worker.

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My work has also extended into research and systems-level change. I have contributed to collaborative dementia research initiatives, participated in advisory and research circles, and worked alongside professionals, researchers, caregivers, and people with lived experience to help improve how dementia care and caregiver support are understood and delivered.

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At both provincial and national levels, I have advocated for stronger dementia strategies, equitable access to services, culturally safe and trauma-informed care, improved rural and Indigenous supports, and greater recognition of the health and wellbeing of caregivers. I have shared my experiences with government representatives, legislative committees, healthcare leaders, researchers, and community organizations because I believe lived experience must have a meaningful place in shaping policy and practice.

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Through Cranbrook Mayne Memory Support Services, I provide individualized dementia education, navigation, consultation, advocacy, and caregiver wellness support. I also develop education for families, communities, and healthcare professionals that is practical, compassionate, and grounded in the realities people face every day.

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My goal is to help people living with dementia and those who care for them feel more informed, prepared, heard, and supported. This work is my way of honouring my parents, carrying their story forward, and helping create the kind of support I wish had been more readily available to our family.