Caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s

Cynthia L. Gilley has spent 25 years being a care giver in residential and vocational settings. She has worked with people with developmentally disabilities, the mentally ill, traumatic brain injured, Alzheimer’s, related dementias and the deaf.

But for the past 11 years, she has been the primary caregiver for her 85-year-old father, now in the severe stages of Alzheimer’s.

“The diagnosis of Dementia/Alzheimer’s was devastating,” she said. “With dad’s transition into each stage of the disease, from early, moderate, and severe stage, it felt like my breath was knocked out of me. I would cry for days.”

For the complete story, see the Nov. 29 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.