Stories from Caregivers: Denise from VIRGINIA
VA
Denise
FROM VIRGINIA
My husband Donald has Alzheimer's (early stages) and Parkinson's. He was just diagnosed with a new recurrence of bladder cancer. He can still drive but needs help with directions to places. Our lives are quiet. Mostly he sits in his recliner 24/7 watching television or sleeping. I have a lot of difficulty motivating him to move around and walk. There are days that I feel like I am so alone. I am a Type 1 diabetic of 52 years and legally blind. It is difficult to divide his medications into his daily doses but I manage with a magnifier. He is not motivated to care for his personal needs so this takes a great deal of my time to keep him washed and dressed so he does not look like a bum. He is a very fussy eater and does not adhere to normal mealtimes. Thus, I have to prepare two types of meals for each day, mine and his. I wish I had someone to help with the yard work as I am now solely responsible for that as well as house repairs and maintenance. We live on a limited Social Security income and have a lot of bills that occurred as I try to maintain the house and clothing, etc. I have a friend who will take me out to lunch or a movie once a week to give me a break for a couple of hours. I have to leave him alone and trust that he will stay in his chair except to use the bathroom. I always make sure that he has drinks and snacks next to his chair. I can honestly say that I am glad that I am still healthy enough to care for him as my love for him is very deep. My advice to other caregivers would be to get help if you can but to also make sure that you are taking care of yourself.
