My wife is nearing the end of a long journey through the hell of Alzheimers disease. I've been her full time caregiver throughout, all of the time, particularly for the last 8 or 9 years. She's slowly losing weight and will continue to do so, but is also happy, comfortable, and unafraid. At this point I just want her to be able to pass away in her own space, on our little sailboat that has been our home for the last 23 years.
She was a registered nurse and worked with me in long term care for a time, so both of us knew Alzheimers and what it would do, where it would go. There haven't been many surprises since it I became aware of it's presence 12 years ago. I'm busy all day long with her, but a lot of that is just watching and making sure she doesn't try to get up and then fall. Direct care of course as well, but there is quite a bit of time for thought for me. I do think about my own feelings and deal with my emotions. There are good times and bad times, but mostly I'm ok with where I am at this time in my life. I hate what has happened, but I'm also thankful that I can be here for this time in her life and for the end of her life.
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