Kudos to John Benoit for his letter in the newspaper dated Sept. 24, “Alzheimer’s turns relationship upside-down.”
His last paragraph has hit home with me, and I paraphrase: “how to keep her from roaming our home, door to door, re-arranging furniture and concealing family paperwork.”
My 79-year-old wife of 61 years was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in January 2011, although slight symptoms were evident three years prior to her diagnosis. Fortunately, at 80 years of age, I consider myself in relatively good health and was able to keep her home until June, when it became virtually impossible for me to care for her.
She was placed on a waiting list at four local Alzheimer’s care centers in March, but no openings were available. I was forced to place her in a facility out of the area. This facility, by all indications, is overpopulated and understaffed with a professional and an excellent staff.
This disease is as difficult for the caregiver as it is for the patient. My daily visit with her is most precious to us both, especially when she has lucid moments, but leaving her creates anguish and anxiety. In spite of that, her “I love you” carries me until our next visit.
Terence “Terry” Hallee
Winslow
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