We are a family living with Alzheimer’s. My father, who just turned 89, has Alzheimer’s and cannot stay alone in his home of 55 years. We have found the ideal solution for everyone with Homecare Solutions and their wonderful staff.
When my brother, who lives in the family home, leaves for work, one of our two caregivers assures my father’s wellbeing during the day. It is reassuring to think that as I am writing this, my father is waking up to a familiar face. He will eat his usual breakfast of hot oatmeal, fruit, toast, and coffee. He will then take a shower, dress, do stretching exercises, and go for a long walk. All of this is thanks to the help and accompaniment of his caregiver.
His favourite part of the day is his walk — even the family dog tags along. Neighbours and bus drivers are happy to wave hello as they pass. Regular walk and exercise does wonders for my father’s mobility. Afternoon activities include board games, reading aloud, painting, and math calculations (for the engineer in him).
When I visit in the afternoon, I no longer need to worry if he ate his lunch, or if he’s wearing clean clothes. Instead, we go for car rides, we visit the local library, or stop for a coffee. On sunny and warm summer days, my father looks forward to his cone of soft ice cream. Basically, we can simply enjoy each other’s company. Understandably, my father goes to bed tired at night, and more often than not, he sleeps through the night.
Even with Alzheimer’s and with the fact that my father no longer remembers his past and is losing his ability to speak, the essence of my father is still there: his personality, good manners (he always says thank you and insists on holding the door for people), and his love of singing and reciting old songs and verses. Thanks to Homecare Solutions, we are a family living and living well in spite of Alzheimer’s.
– Anne-Marie, daughter of Joseph Cuccia