About
Dr. Fernando Vera, occupational therapist
I make practical tools for families caring for someone with dementia.
I'm a licensed occupational therapist and the owner and clinical director of Empower Health, a clinic specializing in dementia care. My team and I help families find support, reduce caregiver burnout and use benefits most never discover, including Medicare's GUIDE Program for people living with dementia.
This work is personal. My mother, Virginia, was healthy and active when she was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, a rapidly progressing form of dementia. Caring for her taught me what no textbook could: caregivers need clear, practical answers they can use in the moment.
So that is what I make. Short videos. Printable cheat sheets. Step-by-step manuals. One-hour courses. Each one is built around a real moment, like “I want to go home” or a refused shower, and tells you what to say and do.
A few things you should know
- I'm an occupational therapist, not a physician. “Dr.” is my professional doctorate.
- I write and sell the books and courses on this site. When a post or page is about something I sell, I say so.
- This is education, not medical advice. I can't advise on one person's care here. Your doctor and care team can.