This is for the caregivers who have loved ones with Alzheimer's Disease. Some of us are adult children; others are marriage mates. It is a daunting task often including role reversal to provide the right kind of dignified care. This story is about caring for my dad. It includes encounters with Assisted Living as an alien life form versus home care, Hospice as an ally, trying not to be a casualty of the VA after having survived World War Two, an insurance company that would never pay, The Baker Act where psychiatric personnel spent more time talking to themselves than to my dad, and medical personnel more intent on relieving the swelling in his wallet than his shrinking memory.
For everyone who cares for a loved one with dementia it is important to remember to laugh even though there will be tears.
