Stories from Caregivers: Marlene from NORTH DAKOTA
ND
Marlene
FROM NORTH DAKOTA
I am the second child of four children born to my parents, Kenneth and Marion. I am the only one residing in North Dakota. My father passed away 2 years ago of dementia. They lived 75 miles away, so I was able to get some services into their home until it was too difficult for my dad to stay home any longer. The trips became more frequent to their home, and at times some middle of the night trips too. I had to arrange a nursing home for my dad and give my mom emotional support. With the help of my siblings, we moved her to an assisted living center only seven miles from my home. Through all this, I developed breast cancer, had a double knee replacement, and had to retire. I was able to continue to take her to the doctor and dentist appointments, run errands, help with banking and whatever else that was not provided at the assisted living center. My mom is now thriving at the age of 91 yrs old after adjusting to her new status and living conditions.
