Husband devotes his days to caring for his wife with Alzheimer’s
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The longest day of the year is usually the primary day of summer season in June. But for caregivers of these with Alzheimer’s daily will be the longest day. For one husband and wife residing with crippling brain illness, it’s a lesson in being grateful for daily you’ve gotten collectively.
Janalee Richards was identified with early-onset Alzheimer’s at simply 54. She requested her husband, Michael, to retire and develop into her caregiver.
“I just went into that gear, the protective mode, and just, you know, and then those marriage vows when you know, better or for worse. I had to jump on it,” he mentioned.
And fortunately he did. It’s been seven years and Michael mentioned Janalee right this moment doesn’t all the time acknowledge her husband of 31 years.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s stressful every day, 24/7, but it’s under control,” Michael Richards mentioned.
He creates a brand new playbook every year to assist navigate the modifications in Janalee’s conduct and he finds consolation in common outings collectively in addition to their dwelling routine. He stays busy with the small print of her each day care.
“I would like for her to have to do puzzles, but she doesn’t have the patience. She has distractions. You know, so I left that alone. But her thing is movies, TV, and kids. She loves dancing, she’ll dance and try to twerk or whatever she’d be doing,”
Michael mentioned he simply lets Janalee be herself which is one thing essential he’s realized by the Alzheimer’s Association help teams and different packages.
Family time with their two grown kids and grandkids helps hold Janalee engaged and in good spirits.
“She’s not mean, but she can be, but it only lasts two or three seconds,” Michael Richards mentioned.
He mentioned typically Janalee is like her previous self and he enjoys these moments.
Somehow the lengthy caregiver days for Michael nonetheless don’t appear to be lengthy sufficient. He urges anybody who reveals indicators of Alzheimer’s or dementia to see a neurologist and get a prognosis as early as doable.
He suggests involving your loved ones within the care and planning of the one you love.
If you’d like to enroll and be part of the longest-day Alzheimer’s occasion, here’s a link.
