Work Samples

CONTACT:  Sarah Wilcock, 206.363.5500, sarah.wilcock@alz.org

Caregivers Provide Hope Through the Journey

Seattle, WA - More than 15 million people in the United States provide unpaid care for persons with Alzheimer’s and related dementia. From emotional support to driving to the grocery store, caregivers are essential.
    “One of the most challenging parts of being a caregiver is him forgetting I will tell him to do something, and he doesn’t follow through or he gets sidetracked easily,” caregiver Cris Cole said.  “He is always telling me to remind him of things and I almost feel like a nag.”
    Cris Cole is the caregiver for her husband, Lon, who is in the early stage of memory loss.  This means that Lon was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and some of the signs are visible, but the progression is slow.
    “From the disease he has become a lot more quiet and reserved,” Cris said.  “It would seem he lost confidence in himself.  He doesn’t participate as much.”
    Lon also no longer drives any further than his church down the street.  Cris said it was difficult to adjust to his limitations.
    “In some ways it has become quieter and in some ways it has become more hectic,” Cris said.  “Now he doesn’t drive except to church.  I hadn’t realized how much he did do and so now my time is a lot more limited.”
    One thing Lon continues to do is write poetry.  Out of 20 poems Lon has written since childhood he said ten to 12 of them were written since his diagnosis.  Lon said one of his favorite parts about poetry is being able to rhyme.
    “Since I have been diagnosed a little rhyme comes into my head and I write about it.  It comes in and I write and then it leaves,” Lon said.
    Cris said it was nice to see Lon continue with his poetry as a way to express himself.
    “You know where he is at.  You can tell he is still wandering,” Cris said.  “It is sad because you don’t know how to help him or if there is anything you can do.”
    Both Lon and Cris have turned to the Alzheimer’s Association for help.  Lon attends two support groups, one with Cris and one without, while also volunteering at the Association.  Cris said they have also been to multiple conferences.
    “It has been really enlightening to me because I know I am not the only one,” Cris said.  It is hard when you have all these friends who seem to be continuing their normal life and it is nice to know you aren’t alone.”
    The Alzheimer’s Association offers many different services for individuals facing early stage memory loss and their loved ones.  Along with the support groups like Cole and his wife used there are also workshops for the individual with memory loss and the caregiver as well as a peer to peer mentoring program.
    “We provide support to families and we provide a link to other families who are dealing with similar challenging circumstances,” Early Stage Memory Loss Coordinator Anita Souza said.  “The comradery they experience actually increases their ability to deal with their diagnoses and live healthy with memory loss.”

The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.  The Chapter serves the 23 counties of western and central Washington State.  For information on programs, services and research, visit alzwa.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.