My wife Diane was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment in 2008. She was still capable of managing daily activities on her own. By 2012, though, she could not. I retired and cared for her at home for the last six years of her life. About two years after I started taking care of her full time, I realized I needed help. I joined an Alzheimer’s caregiver support group that met in person every week. I needed to learn a lot, and the people in the group who faced similar situations helped me learn how to handle them.
I stuck with the group after my wife was gone. Why? Because I knew these men and women. We were friends by then. And I wanted to help other caregivers the same way I was helped. I went through training from the Alzheimer’s Association so I could help run the group, and I do that now.
I’m writing a book about my own experiences and those of other people I met, so someone who faces Alzheimer’s in the future can get a better idea what to expect while their loved ones are living with dementia and their own life after that.
I learned difficult lessons as a caregiver, and every week I heard other support group members talk about their heartbreaks, losses, and victories. I want people who aren’t caregivers yet to learn about what they might face and how ordinary people dealt with them. I’m looking for caregivers who can tell me what they faced when their loved one was slowly taken by this disease.
I will interview those whose experiences are relevant. Their identities will not be disclosed. Any details that might identify them will be changed in the book so they’ll be completely anonymous. Those interviewed will be able to see and approve what is used before it gets printed. After their approval all recordings will be destroyed.
If you are interested in participating, please contact me by email: bluenortherpress@gmail.com
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