REVIEW VIDEO:
See true love prevail, as Harold cares for his wife of 65 years with Alzheimer's. Harold says, "She's not an interruption in my life, this woman is my life."
|
|
Subscribe to:
Post Comments
(
Atom
)
I agree with the husband's thought. My wife of 60 years has dementia and so far I am able to care for her at home. Sometimes it is difficult, very difficult, but if my wife was not there and needing my care, there would be a great emptiness in my heart.
ReplyDeleteDirk, I admire you so much. Continued strength to you! My dad and mom have been married for 63 years, and Mom has had Alzheimer's for the past 7 years. Dad's care for her (they live in an independent apt in a lovely seniors' complex in Ontario) is not only a beautiful example of unconditional love that is portrayed for us, this is amazing for our children to witness as well. It is far from easy, as you said, but, as the man in the video exclaimed, she is his life. My dad knows when to ask for help, but he is Mom's primary caregiver, and at this point, he wouldn't want it any other way. We support them both as much as we possibly can. We're thankful that at 88 years of age my dad still drives, so they're able to get out and about every day, whether on errands, to see their children and grandchildren, enjoy their church family, or just go out for a drive. :)
DeleteJo-Anna: I am crying as I read through Dirk's and your stories...mainly, because it is beyond my grasp or explanation the awesome and wonderful love and care each of your loved one are receiving from their spouses...unfortunately, I do not and can not see ME in that "pedestal" of ultimate love from a spouse.. please call me HURTING WIFE
DeleteI wish you the best!
DeleteMy husband is my world, and i am his, but he is cruelly being taken away from me and going in a home, because the funding is cheaper than carers at home. He was sectioned because of his alzcheimers dementia, and now has the help he needed but the social people are judging him on how he was, not how he is now. It's heartbreaking. He us 58
DeleteVery beautiful that THIS couple can stay together. (They obviously have the means and resources and she is not exhibiting the unmanageable Alzheimer's behaviors)
ReplyDeleteHowever society must remember to NEVER criticize or scorn one of the many thousands of other couples who can no longer live under the same roof due to Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's disease much more commonly FORCES a couple to live apart (long term care facility) than it allows them to live together. Having to live apart IS NOT A FAILURE! Statistically it is the norm, stories like this are the abnormal outlier.
Read more at www.thealzheimerspouse.com
You have made a VERY valid point that it is not possible for many couples/familes to stay together as dementia progresses and behaviour changes. Not only can it be dangerous for the carer but also for the person with dementia.
DeleteIt is hear breaking when you see some elderly people with dementia becoming violent, aggressive and hostile to their former husband/wife/children etc. or when the person with dementia sits there as if hypnotised staring at the wall immobile when someone is trying to engage with them.
She seems to be sweet and pleasantly confused.
ReplyDeleteIf only that were the case for all.
It isn't the same for all sufferers/carers.
For many carers, it's a life of "abuse" and relentless pressure.
The patient doesn't know and can't help it, but for the carer it's impossible.
To admit you can't cope is not failure...it is your own survival mechanism.
The carer's life is just as valuable as he sufferer's life.
In many cases, the Alzheimer's isn't even diagnosed until the family is at breaking point.
LEGACY stories are easy and fun with this FREE ipad/iphone app take a look at this touching story in the photo ....then join us in recording your loved ones' stories www.storiesetc.com
ReplyDelete