Today we’re excited to introduce you to Dr. Macie Smith. Dr. Macie is a Licensed Social Worker, Gerontologist & Dementia Care Specialist and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with Dr. Macie below.
Dr. Macie, it’s been too long since we last connected. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with our community again. Some readers might have missed our prior conversations, so maybe you can kick things off for us with a quick intro?
I’m Dr. Macie Smith, commonly known as Dr. Macie the caregiver coach. I provide education, training, and caregiver coaching to help families who are caring for seniors and those living with dementia reach the next level of care and understanding.
My work consists of providing family consultations to provide strategies on dementia care practices. In my consultations I also provide information regarding services and resources that are available to help families manage the care of those living with dementia in the community and in long-term care communities such as assisted living communities and nursing homes.
Additionally, I conduct research and develop education and training programs for health and human services professionals. My programs are facilitated globally, virtually, and in-person.
Have you expanded on the current services you provide?
I have started using technology to provide virtual family consultations. Also I am providing court appointed guardianship and Guardian ad Litem services for seniors who are at risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
With these services, I fulfill the role of an advocate for at risk seniors, representing his/her best interest in court.
Have you been able to reach a broader market?
Yes. With the power of technology I’ve been able to not only work with families across the country; I’ve been able to present my research and work internationally. This year, my work will be on display at the Australian Dementia Forum 2021.
What’s new in the day and the life of Dr. Macie Smith?
Well, I’m a newly established social media influencer. I’m currently a partner with DIFF eyewear and the HBCU Times Magazine. These collaborative partnerships align with a few things that are meaningful to me, service and black excellence. DIFF eyewear provides the gift of sight through each eyewear purchase; the HBCU Times Magazine highlights the many accomplishments of HBCU alum from across the country.
In addition, I threw my hat in the ring to run for a board of trustees seat at my alma mater South Carolina State University, which is an HBCU. I’m happy to report that on March 6, 2021 I was elected by the South Carolina General Assembly to serve as the newest board of trustees member at South Carolina State University. This is my way of giving back to my HBCU that has given me so much.
How have you been able to diversify the services that you provide?
I started coaching students and professionals who wish to advance their career in Gerontology. Since the pandemic, many people are considering Gerontology as a career choice. This is great because the value of seniors in our community has not been given the attention and support that was so desperately needed. way before the pandemic. Now we have a unique opportunity to not only pique others’ interest but to build and shape a community of senior professionals.
I also started writing more. I wrote several editorials for the Post & Courier Newspaper, one of which I received an award, The Golden Pen. The award winning article centered around urging state lawmakers to open assisted livings and nursing homes to one immediate family member to support the seniors’ mental health.
My book, A Dementia Caregiver’s Guide to Care, has gone virtual and is available for download on Amazon Kindle in addition to the paperback.
And my YouTube page, Just Ask Dr. Macie, has grown exponentially. Tune in each month to catch a new video on dementia care strategies and techniques. I’m also interviewing other professionals in the industry on my YouTube page.
Alright, so before we go, how can our readers connect with you to learn more and show support?
I can be reached at:
info@bookdrmacie.com
www.bookdrmacie.com
www.dtconsultant.org
I’m also on social media:
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter – @drmaciep
YouTube:
Just Ask Dr. Macie
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dtconsultant.org
- Facebook: @drmaciep
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maciepsmith
- Twitter: @drmaciep
- Youtube: www.YouTube.com/c/JustAskDrMacie
Image Credits
Terrell Maxwell
