The Purple Vine
Caring for Others Starts Here.
Whether you’re caring for a loved one, supporting employees, educating future healthcare professionals, or planning your next conference, you’ll find practical tools, trusted education, and compassionate guidance that help people care with greater confidence and less stress.
Find the Help You NeedBring Debbie to Your Event
From corporate leader to caregiver advocate
Before caregiving changed my life, I spent more than 20 years in corporate leadership, including a decade leading nationwide teams. I knew how to solve problems, manage crises, organize people, and keep things moving—or so I thought.
Then my mom developed vascular dementia, and my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Suddenly, I became a full-time caregiver without training, a roadmap, or any idea what I was doing. When my mother-in-law later developed Alzheimer’s disease, I found myself caring for three people I loved while trying to learn everything the hard way.
After two of them passed away, I became a Certified Caregiving Consultant and Certified Caregiver Advocate. I founded The Purple Vine and began writing books and articles to share the practical strategies, hard-earned lessons, encouragement, and occasional laughter I had gathered along the way. My goal was simple: I wanted other caregivers to have an easier journey than I did.
Today, I’m the author of three international bestselling books, a frequent speaker, and the founder of The Caregiver’s Advocate website and movement. Yet one of the most meaningful parts of my work remains sitting across from caregivers during private Hope & Help Chats on Zoom—listening, encouraging, and reminding them that they don’t have to figure everything out alone.
Trusted by Families and Organizations
From churches and senior centers to universities, businesses, conferences, associations, and senior living communities, Debbie equips audiences with practical strategies they can use immediately.
Trusted by People Who Know Caregiving
Kind words from professionals who understand the challenges caregivers and families face.
“Debbie has answers to questions no one has asked yet. Her caregiving knowledge and insight into self care span decades of work in this community.”
“Debbie is one of the most compassionate and downright caring individuals I’ve ever encountered in over two decades of working in senior living… She gives amazing advice, listens to all of her clients, and treats them like family.”
“…one of the best caregiver guides currently available… I plan to recommend this resource widely in my practice.”