Jessica H. Care Companion in Kempner, TX 76539

All four of my grandparents developed Alzheimer's and two also developed dementia. Only one was ever put into a nursing home. I come from a family who believes in taking care of each other. In 2002 my mother's mother moved into our home. We as a family of four spent the next 12 years taking care of her as her Alzheimer's and dementia developed to the point where she was placed on hospice. During the last six to eight months of her life she could not have eyes taken off her. We watched her as she slept, changing her diaper and bed pad every few hours of the night. We lifted her to walk her through the house, bathed her, fed her, read to her, and we all learned different ways to speak around her, as to not upset or confuse her. It is difficult to take care of someone who can no longer take care of themselves, but even more difficult to see their confusion when they can no longer remember who you are. My family was blessed to have my mother who stayed at home and my brother who gave up opportunities like college, jobs and moving out to stay home as a full time caregiver. Not everyone has the time or strength to take care of a loved one when they can no longer take care of themselves. I know first hand they everyone needs help, and everyone needs a break. I also know how upsetting or frustrating it can be for someone who is going through this themselves. Sometimes people need help with their cooking and cleaning, and sometimes people just need someone to talk to, to play checkers with or someone to remind them what day it is and whether they've eaten yet. I've always been told that I was born two generations too late because all of my favorite people are 60+.