For years, Kathy Parker has been the primary caregiver for her 71-year-old husband, David. Five years ago, he suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling from a ladder and last year he was diagnosed with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. David experienced immediate personality changes due to his injury and failed to recognize Kathy, his wife of 46 years. He now suffers from sun-downing and wandering due to the Alzheimer’s, and his days and nights are
reversed. His need for round-the-clock care prevents Kathy from also caring for her 92- year-old mother, as well as doing things for herself and her well-being. “I am a tennis player,” Kathy said. “I was no longer able to play because of Dave’s severe symptoms. It’s so important for me to be able to do that.”
Kathy will soon be able to return to the tennis court thanks to a one-time grant of 50-hours of free specialized, in-home care services as part of Hilarity for Charity’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Relief Grant program. Through this grant, the Parker family will receive personalized care services in their home provided by the Vero Beach Home Instead Senior Care office. Hilarity for Charity is led by comedian husband and wife duo, Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen, and the Alzheimer’s Association® to inspire change and raise awareness of the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
“When a family caregiver carries the responsibility of providing care to a loved one 24 hours a day, we oftentimes see isolation and a decrease in their own social activities,” said Erica Vezza, general manager of the Home Instead Senior Care office in Vero Beach. “Part of the quality of care that we provide to our clients is the opportunity for respite. This allows them the comfort of knowing that their loved one is safe and cared for in their absence – whether it’s tennis lessons, errandss, or just some time to themselves with a book on the porch.”
“Our CAREGiver is a sweetheart. She is so attentive to Dave. I never knew that this help was available,” Kathy said. “I worked with Alzheimer’s patients myself locally for 12 years and it’s so different when it’s your own family. What Home Instead does is truly amazing.”