Empathy and Wisdom in Caregiving
In this episode of Aging For All, we welcome M. Denise Simmons, a leader in the caregiving and healthcare industry. Denise shares her personal caregiving journey, which began unexpectedly during her college years as she navigated her parents’ declining health. She discusses the challenges of balancing caregiving for her parents while raising her children, emphasizing self-care and seeking help. The conversation delves into cultural sensitivities in caregiving, the significance of empathy, and the mission of her home care agency, Wisdom Senior Care, to keep seniors at home where they can thrive. Join us as we learn more about the importance of preserving the wisdom and stories of seniors, matching caregivers with clients based on shared experiences, and the lessons learned from aging.
Meet Our Special Guest!
Recognized as one of South Florida’s “Most Influential and Prominent Black Women in Business and Industry” and recipient of the 2021 “Legacy Builder Award,” M. Denise Simmons, of Haitian Descent, is a changemaker who is determined to revolutionize her community through the entertainment and healthcare industries. She and her husband Mario have recently taken on the role of franchise owners of a home care agency called Wisdom Senior Care, demonstrating their leadership and commitment to providing compassionate care to seniors in their homes.
Some of her most notable works include the 2019 Best Documentary Feature Film for #BeforeYouShoot, a film about humanizing the lives of black men in America, and working on Issa Rae’s HBO Max Series hit show, Rap Shhh.
She is a part of the Advisory Council of the South Florida Institute on Aging. A giver at heart, Denise also hosts dance chair exercises called ‘Grooving In The Chair W/ Wisdom’ throughout senior living communities in Broward County.
Listen to the Episode
Additional Resources
Wisdom Senior Care website
Interested in Denise’s other works?
- Check out this Miamiartzine article about her documentary #Beforeyoushoot
- Check out this Today show article and interview about Issa Rae’s Rap Sh!t