It's year two since my Mom, the siblings and our families have known of Mom's Alzheimer's Disease diagnosis. My Mom became a widow in 2023 and she has continued to live in her Florida home with the help of aides; though remote from her children who live up north in the NYC metro area.
Among my father's final wishes for her was that she take a year to make her living location decision. And Mom and the children have been grappling with the realities of Mom's situation. This accommodation has been in place even as her mild cognitive impairment has slipped forward with the typical visible and non-visible behavioral and medical manifestations.
The siblings have explored various avenues to address her future living location and care arrangements. These include: part-time to full time aides in her home, independent/assisted/memory care living communities in her Florida area, and local adult day care. And possibly any one of us moving down to Florida to live with or be nearby Mom as direct caregivers. All in efforts to make Mom safe and secure with the love and support of her children.
As part of our regular family huddles, Mom and her children decided to bring Mom back north to be with her children, grandchildren, and in the last two years, three great grandchildren.
Though a cure for all phases of Alzheimer's is still a dream and may not bring a positive impact for Mom. Her nearby living with the loving support of her family, we believe, is the best arrangement.
With this "new reality" my wife and I have stepped up to be adjacent condo apartment neighbors with Mom in a 55 and over gated community.
Recently, Sharon & I downsized our living arrangements, yet at the same time upsized our caregiver roles in a direct and day-to-day fashion.
These are not easy decisions for Mom and the siblings. And can't be made quickly. These are all deeply personal decisions that disrupt the "perfect lives" we all envision for ourselves and spouses.
Furthermore, I believe these actions can lead to a higher joy and comfort level by spending quality time with Mom during these critical years.
So if you are going through these decisions with a loved one or just want to help out, please consider a meaningful donation supporting my participation in the Rockland County Walk to End Alzheimer's.
Thank you. David
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