How long have you been married? How did you meet?

Married 10+ years. Together 14 years. Jerry is a client of my boss at Edward Jones Investments. We met at my job.

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When was your loved one diagnosed?

 No diagnosis yet. He has been taking Aricept for 2-3 years and Namenda for one year. He is having testing done from Baylor Neuroscience Center-Memory Center this summer.

 

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What has been most helpful to you during this time and how? 

My experience at Friends Place has been the best blessing! I am able to continue to work full time and not worry about Jerry. He is entertained (and entertaining!) while he is there. He has stimulating activities and good meals during the  day, which he was not getting while he stayed home alone.

 

 

What has been the most challenging part of being a caregiver?

The main challenge has been losing my partner a little at a time and having to take on more and more of the household responsibilities while dealing with my own chronic illness (Multiple Sclerosis) that I was diagnosed with about the time Jerry's symptoms began to surface. I am never sure if the exhaustion comes from my caregiving duties, my work or my illness. Or maybe all three!

 

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Imagine that you've just met a person who's loved one just received their diagnosis yesterday. They are at Day 1 of this journey. What advice would you give them?

Each day is going to be a different new experience. You have to know that you are strong enough to get through one day at a time. Breathe!!