Memory Loss – How is Caring For Your Spouse Different?
This show will give us great insight to those caring for a spouse or significant other with Memory Loss. The twists and turns dementia gives any Caregiver can be challenging, but as a spouse or significant other, there are additional obstacles in the road that need to be dealt with.  Find out what they are and how these women have dealt with them on their journey.  Please know, we will also be discussing the pure beauty found in their relationships as the disease becomes an intricate part of their lives.
Eileen Smithlives in New Zealand and has been caring for her husband Ray who was diagnosed in 2001 at the age of 54. After Ray’s illness declined rapidly in a four month period he was in need of more care. Eileen had to make the difficult decision to place him where Ray could give receive more care. In May of 2006, Ray moved to a community.  Ray no longer speaks, feeds himself and is in need of support when walking.  He is also double incontinent.
 
MaryBeth Watson  lives in Dallas Texas.  Her husband Dale was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease in February 2007.  Upon diagnosis, MaryBeth suspended working to share Dale’s good days with him.  She says the diagnosis changed the trajectory of her life – in a good way.  She has used this experience to acquire practical knowledge which she taps into to support other caregivers and to advise others in Long Term Care strategies.
Please feel free to call in to ask questions or make a comment or post a question in the chat room. If you are not able to make the show live, feel free to email me your questions directly.

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