Small Business Spotlight: Helping Adults Care For Aging Parents

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that's the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on new local businesses and learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Meet Curtis Au of Pleasantville.

• Business: Calm in a Storm
• Phone: 914-400-8935
• Website: www.calminastorm.com

Curtis Au, a licensed clinical social worker with a private practice in Westchester County, is forming a new online support group for adults who have taken on the role of caregiver for their parents.

"It’s a huge responsibility that most people aren’t prepared for when the roles are reversed and now it’s the daughter or son taking care of mom and dad.” Au said. “A group like this one can provide a safe space to connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through and can provide the kind of support caregivers need.”

Au took some time for a Q&A with Patch.

PATCH: What gave you the idea for your practice?

AU: Well, the business is pretty much an extension of my life and career. I’m a licensed clinical social worker. I started my private practice, Calm in a Storm, after leaving Hospice Care in Westchester & Putnam (part of Northwell Health) last fall. Before that I was a social worker and care consultant with the Hudson Valley chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. My private practice essentially combines what I’d been doing at those places – grief counseling, caregiver support, helping older adults with life transitions.

PATCH: Why did you pick that name?

AU: Before going back to school in my 50s to get a masters degree in social work, I worked as a writer and creative director in the wonderful world of advertising. So when I had the idea to start a private practice, I basically became my own client, doing the marketing and creative work for myself, including coming up with a name. I think the name came from how people have often described me. And it really speaks to the kind of work I do and how I try and help people find their own calm in a storm in tough times. Fortunately, the name had not been taken by another business or as a website domain name, so I took it.

PATCH: Can training help people keep out of nursing homes?

AU: I think information and training can certainly delay or prevent nursing home placement. My experience is that family members are often very reluctant to put a loved one in a nursing home, and I think COVID has made that even more the case. But that in turn puts added stress on those who now become caregivers. The support group I’m facilitating starting in March, is to help caregivers who are taking care of an elderly parent. And there are many such caregivers out there.

The support group will meet online Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m. starting March 3 for 10 sessions. A fee of $250 covers all 10 sessions. Pre-registration/intake is required and the number of participants is limited. For more information and to register, email curtis@calminastorm.com or call 914-400-8935.

Would you like to see your small business showcased? Email Lanning.Taliaferro@patch.com