Navigating senior care, housing, and medical systems in most countries, especially foreign countries, can be overwhelming. As Wellness Shepherd Wendy, I provide independent, multicultural, authentic, experienced guidance across Mexico, Ecuador, the U.S., and other nations (5 continents, 42 countries for education, research, work).
I accept zero referral fees from senior residences or care homes, physicians, or anyone else. My priority is advocating for your safety, dignity, and budget.
Aging in Place & Housing Transitions
Proactive planning and local expertise to help you stay at home or find compatible senior living and care
- Care Plans: Family and older adult evaluations; customized care plans to guide your long-term choices.
- Independent Living, Assisted Living, Nursing Care, and Memory Care vetting: Personal introductions and assessments of independent living, assisted living, and nursing care homes.
- Local Resources: Alternative care providers, hospitals, physical therapists, and senior care services.
- Safe Living Spaces: Universal design and eco-friendly environmental consulting to modify your home for long-term safety.
Healthcare Navigation & Advocacy
Hands-on support to ensure your voice is heard, understood, and respected in medical settings.
- Care Coordination: Planning for medical teams and logistics during health transitions or emergencies.
- Insurance Guidance: Educating about health insurance options for North American and European expats.
Palliative Care, Hospice & End-of-Life Support
Compassionate, professional guidance to ensure comfort, dignity, and peace of mind.
- Document Preparation: Expert assistance with advanced directives, healthcare proxies, end-of-life planning MX, Ecuador, U.S.
- Doula Companionship: Gentle psychosocial and spiritual companion care for individuals facing serious illness; trauma-informed bereavement support for sudden death, suicide, or any loss
- Crisis & Aftercare: Sensitive handling of cremation logistics, legal paperwork for shipping ashes, family grief support.
Specialized Consulting & Speaking
- For Entrepreneurs: Best practices consulting for businesses looking to build green, independent, and long-term senior living spaces.
- For Communities: Public speaking and workshops for domestic or expat groups on Aging in Place, Solo Aging, Life Planning, emergency planning, Advance Care Planning and care options.
How to Get Started
Every person and every family’s journey is unique. Because my guidance is fully customized to your specific situation, I do not list rates online. Instead, I invite you to reach out directly so we may discuss the most supportive path forward.
To begin, please send an email to wellnessshepherd@aol.com outlining:
- Your current housing and care needs and long-term wishes.
- Any immediate or ongoing medical considerations (if you are comfortable sharing)
- The locations you are exploring (U.S., Mexico, Ecuador, Central Italy, or other nation).
- Your ideal situation.
Once I review your note, which I shall receive in full confidence, I will get back to you. I look forward to connecting with you
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Wellness Shepherd 
SUCH a huge need here in Ecuador!! Thank You Wendy!!…I
lived in Cuenca for four years, and now back in Cotacachi, where there so needs to be assisted living options but so far there are not. The nurses etc are very few as well….A few of us know and are looking for options.
I appreciate so much your work, and would like to invite you to come here for a conference perhaps. I will facilitate if you would be agreeable, and would be glad to help!
I am not completely bilingual but have started a soup kitchen for street people, and investigated some options for living situations for the flood of expats that are coming here now.
Cotacachi is warmer than Cuenca in my experience and nearby Ibarra even better. The only drawback is the airport is 1.5-2 hours away.
Anyway, Just wanted to make contact and open the door to this most important and very relevant work….we have had about 3 deaths over the last 8 months here .
I do believe there would be a huge turnout if you wanted to come and offer services and /or duplicate your work and services up here in North Ecuador!
Just thinking!
Blessings!
Lulie
Hello dear Lulie,
1001 thanks for taking the time to find and read the post!!
All you do to help others is needed and I imagine most appreciated.
Thanks for the invitation to Cotacachi… all is possible… I’ll reflect on it…;)
Cotacachi has a wonderful nurse practitioner who is serving as a medical translator and more.
With appreciation for your response, Wendy
Would you let me know of your next Cuenca seminar?
Or you could make a presentation for our gringo church.
We have a number old single seniors.
Thanks,
Gary Gaither 098 599 4299
Hi Gary,
Thanks for your inquiry and kind invitation. I wrote you on your private e-mail a while back. Don’t know if you received it. I’m producing and moderating an End-of-Life Planning discussion at the Cuenca Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, May 6, 3rd floor (there is an elevator). You and your congregation will be most welcome! Blessings, Wendy Jane Carrel
Wendy, what is your direct contact information for coordination of care from the states to Mexico for in home hospice care? thank you! ~Lynda
Hello dear Lynda,
I sent you a reply to your request not long ago with my direct e-mail wellnessshepherd@aol.com. Perhaps it landed in your spam folder.
Please contact Dra Susana Lua Nava at http://www.juntoscontraeldolor.com The phone no. in Guadalajara is (33)3617-2417. I’m assuming you speak Spanish and that the patient is being transferred to the state of Jalisco. Yes? Many thanks for your inquiry. Blessings and peace, Wendy