http://henleysheroes.blogspot.com

Karen H
I am a loving wife and mother, devoted to the care of my sick husband, while raising 2 children. My husband is 44 and was diagnosed at the age of 36. In April, he will begin his 8th year with EOAD. He remains at home with us, and has been enrolled in Hospice since September. I am a strong believer in raising awareness of EOAD…We need to be the voices for those who can no longer speak. My hope is that this Blog reaches as many people as possible to help create the awareness and funds needed for research. My faith has kept me strong throughout this journey and it’s something I rely on completely.

Karen writes about the day to day trials and triumphs with her family at her husband who has had Early Onset Alzheimer’s for 8 years. Karen shares with the reader her decisions in the care of her husband and thinking that has gone into this care.

Here is a sample post from “Follow You, Follow Me, Our Journey”
http://henleysheroes.blogspot.com/2009/04/nursing-homes.html

Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Nursing Homes??
 

My mom goes once a month to a geriatric psychologist. I can only imagine that once you hit your 70’s, you may need someone to talk to, because you know your future is shorter than most people. I would be happy for my mom if she discussed her thoughts and her feelings, but everytime she goes, she discusses Mike, the kids and I. Yes, she is concerned for us, but when she comes back from her appointment, she relates what Dr. B said. “Karen, Dr. B, said you should do this, why don’t you try this, Mike should really be in a hospital/in patient hospice, he’s not getting the care he needs at home, it’s too much for your daughter and her children…………….” HOW DARE HE???? He’s never seen Mike nor us. Every specialist that knows Mike, that has treated Mike all these years has CLEARLY said to us that if Mike had been in a nursing home, he would not be here today. The level of personalized, loving care he gets at home – is unprecedented.

Why are some people, even medical professionals so quick to THROW people away to nursing homes??? Is that what YOU would want for yourself??? For some people, a nursing home is the only option and I can sympathize with that agonizing decision – but for others, it’s not necessary. They just want the easy way out. Yes, it’s the easy way out. I have the right to say this because I LIVE IT.

Caring for Mike is EXTREMELY time consuming, strenuous, emotional etc etc etc…. but when he goes to sleep at night, comfortable in his own bed and I can lay next to him, NOTHING can take that moment away from us. It’s a shame that others don’t want to make sacrifices for the sake of those they love. The look of contentment, peace and love on Mike’s face when he closes his eyes to go to sleep, is all that I need to get me through another day.