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

   

We have been married for 41 years.  We met through our families, who worked together.

  

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When was your loved one diagnosed? 

  

2007 – Dementia as a result of an anoxic brain injury (lack of oxygen to the brain).

 

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

  

By default in 2007 – everything changed when Rod needed 24x7 supervision.

 

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

 

Social workers at the rehab helped a lot. I only thought social workers were for people who needed financial assistance. I never knew the great services they provide.  I think everyone who is facing a chronic caregiving situation needs to be put in touch with a social worker.

 

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What has been the most challenging part of being a caregiver? What do you struggle with?

 

The change in our husband-wife relationship. Nothing is the same and I had to accept that.

 

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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?

 

This is a marathon, not a sprint. When we are faced with an illness, we are conditioned to get treatment and get better. With this type of diagnosis, it is a condition that needs to be weaved into your everyday life. So you can’t  ‘get over’ it – you have to live with it day to day. Plan accordingly.

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