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

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We celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary on June 14, 2016.  We met while attending Bishop College in Dallas, TX.

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When was your loved one diagnosed? 

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October 26, 2011

 

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How long have you been a caregiver and how did you end up taking on this role?

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We are in our fifth year since diagnosis.  As a spouse, I have been my husband’s caregiver from day 1.  While he was diagnosed in October 2011, in hindsight, there had been signs of dementia for at least a year prior.  

 

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

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1. An abiding faith

God has been so gracious to me during my life as a wife, parent and professional.  He has a plan for me as a caregiver.  My prayer is that I learn the lessons He has for me, that I take the very best care of my husband, and that I bring glory to Him through it all.

 

2. Friends Place Adult Day Services

This organization specializes in the care of persons with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.  It has highly structured programs that keep my husband socially engaged.  I can leave him there and have every assurance that a caring staff will keep him safe, involved in activities and that his personal care needs will be met.

 

3. Alzheimer’s Association

This organization has been terrific in providing information on all facets of Alzheimer’s / dementia.  It provided referrals for my husband to other agencies for assistance.  I have participated in a support group sponsored by them, attended sponsored training & workshops and used their 24/7 helpline.  My husband participates in its Medic Alert + Safe Return Program.

 

4. Senior Source

The Senior Source works to provide services for older adults in the greater Dallas area at all income levels, from the most active to the very frail. My husband has a Senior Companion through the  Senior Source who provides in-home companion services several days a week, allowing me time for respite, running errands, etc.

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

 

I am virtually “on-call” 24/7.  My focus is constantly on his needs (personal, physical, medical).  The disease has progressed to the point that he can no longer communicate what he is thinking or feeling, leaving me to guess his well-being.   He can no longer take care of his personal needs.  He was always so meticulous in his grooming.  “Am I doing for him what he would do for himself?”

 

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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?

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Be patient with your loved one as he/she processes the news of the diagnosis.

Be patient with yourself as you process the news of the diagnosis.

Learn as much as you can about the disease.

Contact the Alzheimer’s Association for information on available community resources.

Join a Support Group (The Alzheimer’s Association can let you know of those available in your area).

 \Encourage your loved one to take care of legal / financial planning while he/she still has the capacity to do so.

Build a “care team” to support you and your loved one along the journey.

Ask for help as it is needed - Take care of yourself.

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