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In this powerful and emotional second episode of a four-part series, RuthAnn continues her conversation with Shawn, a former volunteer firefighter who stepped up for his elderly neighbor, Robert, who was living alone and showing signs of dementia. Shawn tried multiple times to get Robert to allow a 911 call for help, but Robert refused, and as a former firefighter, Shawn knew nothing could be done if help was declined. 

With no state resources for seniors beyond Adult Protective Services for abuse or neglect, Shawn faced two choices: leave Robert to fend for himself or keep helping. His vivid stories reveal how dementia changed Robert and greatly impacted Shawn’s life. Yet, Robert’s moments of clarity—answering basic questions like what year it is or who the president is—show why diagnosing dementia can be difficult when you don’t see the full picture. 

These stories highlight the risks posed to everyone, especially when someone with dementia is living alone and still driving, and why dementia and Alzheimer’s need more attention. Shawn hopes that these stories will help caregivers feel less alone. They also serve as a wakeup call to pay better attention to our aging population and the often-overlooked symptoms that signal potential problems.

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