Stories from Caregivers: Walter from WISCONSIN
WI
Walter
FROM WISCONSIN
Aline and I met on the beach in New Jersey in 1964. I was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps and she had graduated from Montclair College. We hit it off and built a life together, two children and five grandchildren. Fast forward to our annual trip to New York City in 2006. Aline was tired and lethargic all the time. We came home and and MRI showed that she had a mini-stroke. Three years and many doctors later she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I cared for her at home handling all the chores and medication management. In December 2014 she moved to Memory Care where she resides today. We could not do the things we planned in retirement but we did the things that we could; dining out, attending shows & grandchildren activities and being active. Recently she had another mini-stroke then fell and broke her hip. She had hip replacement surgery and after rehab she returned to Memory Care. As her mobility improves, I will resume taking her out to dine at her favorite restaurant. I volunteer for the Fox Valley Memory Project, Alzheimer's Association, Wisconsin Dementia Resource Network and I facilitate Men's Support Groups. I have told our story at conferences and our journey was covered by the local newspaper. In 2017 I was recognized by the Alzheimer's Association as the Wisconsin Family Care Giver of the year. I also received senatorial recognition from Senator Ron Johnson for my work as a caregiver. Recently I established a Charitable Fund in Aline's name with the Fox Valley Community Foundation. The fund will be used to help create and maintain a Dementia Friendly Community. I visit Aline nearly every day even if it is only for an hour. She is always thrilled to see me and with the memory loss she doesn't know if I am there one hour or four. She still has that happy smile and everyone loves her.
