Julie Norstrand

Julie Norstrand, PhD is an eldercare consultant, and she has worked for many years with families as they grapple with how to support an older loved one. Through the years when working with families it has become increasingly apparent to Julie that majority of families enter caregiving with little or no preparation. This phase of life is often incredibly stressful, and decisions made about a loved one's care are often rushed and poorly through-out. For this reason, Julie set up Help My Aging Parents, where the mission is to help families develop skills and the confidence to step in as caregivers in order to meet the needs of aging relatives!

As part of her PhD in Social Work and her experience working with families through Help My Aging Parents, Julie has gained expertise in the aging experience, including the physical, emotional, and cognitive changes that occur in old age, in the context of today's economic and social environment. All of this has given Julie an in-depth knowledge of the constraints on the family when the older adult starts to require assistance to stay safely in their own home.

Julie also holds an MSW and a master’s in clinical psychology. Julie has worked in the aging field for the last 20 years. This includes psychosocial assessments of older adults; helping older adults in the community set up peer led support groups; and conducting research at an Area Agency on Aging where Julie learned about the resources and services critical for homebound elders. Furthermore, Julie has taught social work and aging related courses to undergraduate and graduate students at Regis college for many years. Julie also served as a commissioner for the Newton Council on Aging (2015-2023).