Shelley Laurell, Caring.com author


Shelley Laurell is a veteran in the senior care industry. She has held leadership roles in communications and market development for several of the nation's largest senior care providers. She is also a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA).

Her interest in and passion for seniors began when her grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at a relatively early age. She became a devoted advocate for him and played an instrumental role in finding the best care for his needs at every stage of the disease.

Shelley earned a B.S. in public affairs from Virginia's Mary Washington College, attended the Carey Business School at Johns Hopkins University, and received an MBA in healthcare administration from the University of Toledo. She is currently a part-time graduate student at Harvard, studying digital media marketing.

Why I Care

"While I was growing up, my grandfather was high atop my hero list. With his gracious Southern manners and quick wit, I believed he was invincible. Then came the diagnosis of Alzheimer's. Despite our family's best efforts to investigate every possible specialist and each and every opportunity for clinical trials, the disease progressed. I watched helplessly as Alzheimer's robbed him of everything from his dignity to his ability to communicate.

When I finished my MBA, I went to work in the senior care industry. I knew I could help educate families on their options for care, because I had walked in their shoes. Ten years later, I started writing about the senior care industry and senior-related issues. I think my personal and professional experiences help me connect with readers."