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Adult Care Services Offering Programs that Support the Caregiver

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Caring for the caregiver is just as important as caring for a person who requires hands-on care.

Adult Care Services, The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center, and The Margaret T. Morris Center’s mission, Quality Care, Quality Services, and Quality of Life, is not solely about the person receiving the hands-on care from their programs, but for the support of caregivers as well. Two key people responsible for this within the three non-profits specializing in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care are Candace Lea and Melody Thomas-Morgan. Both women passionately agree that offering support to family caregivers in today’s times is desperately needed.

Thanks to a one-year Community Health Improvement Grant from Dignity Health/YRMC, The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center now offers care management and programming support for community members attending the day center. Candace Lea, who has been with Adult Care Services for more than two years as community liaison, transitioned to this new role effortlessly. With a master’s degree in business, emphasizing health care management, a past career as a program manager in case management, a family caregiver and a certified yoga instructor, Candace is a wealth of knowledge who knows the resources. She states that her goal as a care manager is to help family caregivers successfully navigate their role as caregivers when respite time ends.

The Margaret T. Morris Center Resident Services Specialist Melody Thomas-Morgan is no stranger to family caregivers. She served as the life enrichment director at The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center for many years. Melody transitioned to her current role at The Margaret T. Morris Center in 2016. Melody, a trained support group leader, is finishing her last class for the completion of her master’s degree in pastoral counseling in crisis intervention and trauma with a specialty in grief counselling and support. She is a natural at leading the Adult Care Services Support Group and helping families transition from hands-on caregivers to their prior role of spouse, child or friend, once deciding upon assisted living. Melody believes in giving caregivers hope as they deal with guilt and loss when making the best decisions for their loved one living with dementia.

Caring for the caregiver is just as important as caring for a person who requires hands-on care. What the caregiver is truly going through on the inside may not show on the outside. Adult Care Services is here for caregivers to navigate resources, deal with feelings of sadness, loss and grief, and instill hope for confident, successful living. QCBN

By Yvonne Napolitano

For more information about Adult Care Services, see the company website at www.AdultCareSevices.org or call 928-771-2335.

Yvonne Napolitano is the executive director of Adult Care Services.

Making Human Connections as We Age

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Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others and feel connected?

What is it we want in life? Some may say it’s the connection with others, whether that is family, friends or community. As we age, we might look back at our life and long for the connections we once had or maybe the ones we never had. Reminiscing is a normal part of aging. What can we do to help our elders feel connected?

Let’s have a chit-chat: There is nothing better than a good old-fashioned “talk.” Seriously, who doesn’t like to be heard? Our elders love to be heard. It helps them feel wanted. Start by asking how their day is and, if the opportunity arises, move into talking about their past. A great way to lead into this is by asking where they grew up and/or what they did for a living.

Some of the day’s most meaningful moments begin with a light conversation. You might walk away thinking that was the best conversation of your life. You may even realize you are connected somehow. Maybe you grew up in the same town or you randomly know the same people. You never know where a conversation might end up.

Using our hands: Connecting while creating can be a powerful thing. There is no pressure to make small talk. Some great ideas for this are puzzles, painting and planting. As you begin to create, the barriers are released and before you know it, you are having a nice time!

What game shall we play? Playing games is a great way to break the ice. It doesn’t have to be one on one, you can get a little group together and play cards, Bingo, Yahtzee or board games such as Sorry and Aggravation.

Go on an outing: This doesn’t have to be a big outing, it can be going for a drive to see the beautiful countryside or maybe you have a specific destination in mind such as a museum or Prescott Square. Either way, it’s all about doing it together.

Staying connected is exactly what the Life Enrichment departments do at both the Margaret T. Morris Assisted Living Center and the Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center. We do all of these things plus so much more. And guess what? We are looking for volunteers. We need all types of humans to help us connect with the people we serve. Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others and feel connected? Visit our website today to see where you can be of service.  www.adultcareservices.org. QCBN

By Candace Lea

Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison and marketing person for Adult Care Services. She also teaches yoga in the Quad Cities Area.  www.adultcareservices.org

Preventing Falls as We Age

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As we age, we might need a little help from our friends. In this case, it’s a walker, cane or reacher.

Winter brings slippery conditions that can lead to a fall. Falls are not just wintertime accidents; they can happen any time of the year. Seniors are especially vulnerable because of age and health conditions. There are several things you can do to decrease your risk of falling. But unfortunately, there are no guarantees, because sometimes accidents just happen. Here are some recommendations on what you can do to stay upright and not take a tumble.

Walking and Exercise: I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times. If you don’t use it, you will lose it. You’ve heard it so often because it’s a fact. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise. It builds strength and stamina in your feet, legs and core. The core is all the muscles deep within our abdomen and spine. They keep us upright. So, walk it out. Any amount of walking is great. The point is, keep moving!

Shoes: Shoes are so very important! You have to make sure they fit well. Not too small, not too big, just right. (Sounds like Goldilocks and the Three Bears!) Shoes that are too small will restrict your feet and cause pain, discomfort and lack of a good base of support. When your shoes are too big, your feet slide around and can lead to toe deformity as well as stumbling from the shoes getting in the way. A big no-no for shoes are the slippers and shoes called Mules that are open in the back. Avoid these, as they can slip off and cause a tumble.

Throw rugs: Yes, they are pretty and they are warm if you have wood floor or tile, but they are dangerous. A trip or fall is not worth it! Only one sentence is required here. Throw out the throw rugs!

Assistive devices: As we age, we might need a little help from our friends. In this case, it’s a walker, cane or reacher. The walkers nowadays are like a fancy new car with all the bells and whistles. They not only give you something to hold on to for stability, but some even have a little compartment to carry things. Your doctor or friendly neighborhood medical supply store can help to get you fitted and set up with the perfect walker or cane. Reachers or grabbers are amazing devices that you use to pick things up from the floor or to reach things from a tall shelf. That is correct, no bending over to pick up that dropped tissue and no climbing on a step stool or chair to reach for that can of green beans.

Moving with intention: As we age, it’s very important to move slowly and not rush from one position to the next. When you are lying in bed, don’t move quickly to standing. Instead, roll to your side, allowing your body to acclimate to the situation. Then, slowly move from lying down to seated. Again, stay seated on the edge of your bed for several minutes while taking some nice deep breaths. Place your walker in front of you. Then, with intention, move to stand. Breathing in and out as you stand and get your bearings. Then, you can begin to safely make your way to wherever you are off to.

Cleaning up your outdoor walkways: This can begin before the snow and ice appear. Making sure your walkways are clear from debris and clutter is so very important. Once the snow and ice do come it will be easier to shovel and sprinkle the de-ice products.

If we had to decide on a moral to this story it would be: always be prepared, move with intention and, of course, ask for help. The fact that you are reading this article is a perfect way to start after all. Knowledge is power. QCBN

By Candace Lea

Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison and marketing person for Adult Care Services. She also teaches yoga in the Quad Cities Area.  www.adultcareservices.org

Aging Without Isolating: Living Your Best Life

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Do you or your loved one suffer from isolation or perceived isolation?

The risk of isolation, unfortunately, increases as we age. The social interactions we once took for granted can become challenging due to situations such as becoming a caregiver, the death of a loved one, financial struggles, discrimination, physical issues and transportation.

Isolation and seniors can be a dangerous combination during the holidays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states nearly one-fourth of adults ages 65 and older are socially isolated and are at a greater risk for depression, anxiety and even suicide. An aging adult who feels lonely despite being active can also suffer depression, anxiety and even suicide.

Symptoms of isolation include:

  • Cognitive decline with difficulty concentrating, remembering details or making decisions.
  • Fatigue.
  •  Changes in sleeping patterns (including insomnia and hypersomnia).
  • Irritability or restlessness.
  • Loss of interest in enjoyable activities.
  • Major changes in appetite.
  • Complaining of aches or pains disproportionate to current physical condition.
  • Misuse of alcohol, prescription medication or other substances.
  • Increase in chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes.
  • Talking excessively about death, thoughts of suicide or making suicide attempts.

 

If you believe you or a loved one is suffering from isolation, the first step is to talk to a physician to find a long-term solution. In conjunction with physician support, consider any of the following:

Connect weekly with family and friends via telephone, video, email or in person.

Attend community activities at churches, clubs or weekly social gatherings.

Join a gym or Silver Sneakers program.

Access alternative modes of transportation by contacting family and friends or a senior care service for assistance with doctors and social appointments or shopping.

Volunteer and feel good about helping others.

Reach out for support with places such as AARP, NACOG- Area Agency on Aging, Meals on Wheels, People Who Care and Senior Centers that help connect people with necessary services.

Attend an adult day center that can provide meals, activities, medical monitoring, care or possibly transportation and funding based on qualifying factors.

Move to a senior living community that provides physical and social activities.

 

Per the CDC, seniors are at a higher risk for isolation. The signs and symptoms of isolation listed above can be clues to your or your loved one’s well-being. Researcher and author Tom Rath stated, “There is no greater predictor of human well-being than the amount of social time we spend with one another.” We know today that an active and balanced lifestyle promotes positive aging physically and emotionally.

Do you or your loved one lead an active and balanced lifestyle? Do you or your loved one suffer from isolation or perceived isolation? If so, reach out for help immediately, and remember, you are not alone. Live your best life! QCBN

By Yvonne Napolitano

Yvonne Napolitano, MHA, CTRS, is the executive director of Adult Care Services, The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center and The Margaret T. Morris Center.

The Caregiver Dilemma: When to Choose a New Care Option

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The proper care choices sooner rather than later enhance the well-being of the care receiver and caregiver.

A person does not turn 101 every day, especially a person with medical issues or dementia. Ruth, a two-year resident at The Margaret T. Morris Center (MTMC), Northern Arizona’s only assisted living community specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, is the exception. MTMC cannot take all the credit for Ruth’s longevity and good genes. Ruth’s children decided to move Ruth to MTMC sooner rather than later, which has made all the difference in Ruth’s overall well-being.

Ruth’s children met with me just over two years ago to discuss the community for their mom. They knew deep down inside they needed to make a change for their mom’s physical care and emotional well-being. They did their research, processed the pros and cons within a week, and moved mom immediately to MTMC for her final place of care. I wish more caregivers could process these decisions sooner rather than later. We see transition success at MTMC or sister company, The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center. Things go smoother when people choose to accept care earlier. Unfortunately, it is typically a difficult transition or non-acceptance for care when a caregiver belabors a care decision that they know they needed to make yesterday.

Why do caregivers wait to make decisions? This factor involves caregiver guilt. These guilty feelings are overwhelming and are either self-imposed or inflicted by others. A typical guilt story goes like this: the couple has been married for a very long time and believes that the vow “’til death do us part” means providing care alone. Another common scenario is when caregivers live a distance from the aging individual and do not see the day-to-day decline. Finally, in Ruth’s story, a loved one is already in a care community but it is not the right fit. The family stresses about making a change. Often, in these situations, the loved one starts to spiral downward with difficult and dangerous behaviors, accidents and hospitalizations, making it too late for ideal care choices.

So, what can a person do for better planning for and choosing outside care at the right time?

Converse about the “what ifs” of needing care when healthy. Communicate realistically about expectations and concerns for “if and when” time comes for outside care. Too often, spouses, parents and children wait until it is too late.

Complete the Living Will and Three Powers. Make end-of-life wishes known and designate the health, financial and mental Health Power of Attorneys in writing. Take the stress off of a designated caregiver to make medical and financial decisions that may not be the choice of a care receiver and avoid costly legal fees such as guardianship. Establish a relationship with a physician. Understand Medicare/Medicaid benefits, personal finances, and Long-Term Care policy coverages.

Check out care options while the individual is cognitively capable. Tour places, get brochures and look online. Take the burden off of the designated care person from possibly having to make a choice later. Such options include in-home care, home health, adult day centers, assisted living, specialized memory care and hospice services.

Start the care journey when healthier while living at home. Start one or two times a week. Choose an adult day program or non-medical in-home care by example for an optimal transition that supports the care receiver and caregiver in being independent of each other.

Don’t belabor necessary care decisions. A full-time caregiver looking at alternate care options while caring for the loved one at home feels stressed, tired and scared. The caregiver recognizes their loved one is showing a decline, physically and/or emotionally, and at a deeper level knows they need to make a care decision versus believing “I’ll just look.” There is a reason for this saying: Guilt. Don’t let guilt feed the decision-making process. Get professional help or join a support group to help process feelings. So many caregivers will attest that they feel guiltier in the long run for not making the decision earlier if and when something goes wrong.

The proper care choices sooner rather than later enhance the well-being of the care receiver and caregiver. Take it from Ruth and her children. Happy 101st Birthday, Ruth. May you continue to enjoy life to the fullest! QCBN

By Yvonne Napolitano

Yvonne Napolitano, MHA, CTRS, is the executive director of Adult Care Services, The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center and The Margaret T. Morris Center.

Hydration is Key to Staying Healthy

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The point of all of this is keeping our elders healthy, because that is what hydration is all about.

Hydration is such an important part of staying healthy. Staying ahead of your thirst is really a key facture. Watching what we put into our bodies such as caffeine, which can dehydrate, can also be a benefit. Ingesting other foods and liquids besides water is also really helpful.

Back in the 1970s and ‘80s, we didn’t walk around with a water bottle like we do now. This is progress! But where does that leave our elders who did not grow up with the push to stay hydrated? The balance of having our elders enjoy the warm sunshine and stay hydrated at the same time requires some creativity.

Let’s start with getting ahead of the thirst and what that means for our senior populations. The reason we want to stay ahead of the thirst is because once we have reached the point of dry mouth, we are most likely already getting dehydrated.

Encourage fluids, especially water, throughout the day by having water readily available such as the water bottle they carry, or a large water container placed on a nearby counter with little water glasses for easy access. Make water the first thing they ingest when they start the day and the last thing they ingest at the end of day. If it’s a struggle to stay ahead of the hydration train, then maybe set a timer or have them drink a little sip at the start of each hour.

Be cognizant of what our seniors are putting into their bodies that cause dehydration: fried foods, salty foods, alcohol, caffeine, medications, supplements and sugary foods. Educate yourself on what is hydrating and what is not. It’s true, knowledge is power!

Have a snack that is hydrating: watermelon (the name says it all!), cantaloupe, apples, pineapple, celery, watercress and cucumbers. If you know that your elder is not going to drink enough water, try to encourage a few of these water filled treats into their day.

Make water yummy. Who doesn’t like a nice flavor in our water? You can add lemon, lime, orange, strawberry, mint and cucumber to the water to give it a little pick-me-up.

The point of all of this is keeping our elders healthy, because that is what hydration is all about. When you know they are going to be outdoors, help them to dress accordingly and make sure if it gets too warm that they can slip into the shade. We want them to partake in the benefits of the fresh air and sunshine and to be healthy while doing it! QCBN

By Candace Lea

Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison for Adult Care Services.

Adult Day Center Celebrates Four Decades of Care

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This amazing day center has been the only adult day health program in Northern Arizona supporting caregivers for many of the past 40 years.

The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center (SJRC) celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. A boots-on-the-ground organization, SJRC is on the front line supporting family caregivers by offering the needed respite, education, resources and support through its medical/social model, Arizona Department of Health Services-licensed, adult day health program.

In acknowledging the spirit of caregiving on behalf of their late founding Executive Director Susan J. Rheem, Adult Care Services is proud to announce that the SJRC has been awarded the David Besst Award from the Arizona Caregiver Coalition. The award honors the awardees but also David Besst, who untiringly worked to establish resources and respite for family caregivers. Laura Dreibelbis, the director of the Susan J. Rheem Center, along with Yvonne Napolitano, executive director of Adult Care Services, were presented with the award on March 3, at the Family Caregiver Day at the capitol.

This amazing day center has been the only adult day health program in Northern Arizona supporting caregivers for many of the past 40 years. SJRC has been an affordable care option for families to stay together longer instead of premature placement in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or having to rely on in-home care. SJRC has been recognized as a leader across the United States because of its ability to maintain solid adult day programming in a rural area, whereas most adult day health programs are only successful in larger cities.

The center, located in Prescott Valley, serves its participants from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. It is unique in the fact that it has six buses that transport participants from Paulden, Cordes Lakes, Prescott and all the towns in between. The center was built with safety for its participants in mind and is a secure building.

Although the Susan J. Rheem Center specializes in serving those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementias, it does offer services to those 18 years of age and older with an array of illnesses and disabilities. Taking pride in the care they give to each and every person they serve, the center has a full-time in-house chef that prepares a nutritious breakfast, lunch and a snack each day. Being a medical/social model of care, there are two full-time nurses and several life enrichment specialists who create a wonderful program that includes exercise and socialization. The nurses monitor health conditions and conduct care meetings with family members and case managers.

The Susan J. Rheem Center is connected with Arizona Long Term Care, Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) and the Veterans Administration to help those participants who qualify with the cost of services. QCBN

By Candace Lea

If you are interested in learning more about this day program, please visit their website  at www.adultcareservices.org or call for a tour: 928-775-3563.

Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison for Adult Care Services.

Taking Care of Mom

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Adult Care Services has been helping families and caregivers for 40 years.

It’s May, such a beautiful month filled with sunshine, butterflies and Mother’s Day. Picture this: You are a child, you walk through the door after school and your olfactory senses come alive with the smell of home-baked pie. You immediately relax and know that mom has baked something wonderful! Not only has she baked your favorite chocolate pie, but she made extra pie crust treats with cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top. Life is good!

We all know moms do so much. They care for us as babies, they help us to take our first steps and speak our first words, they teach us how to count and recite our ABCs, they encourage us to do the laundry and wash the dishes, they support us when times are tough and they rejoice in our achievements and happiness!

As we grow up, mom becomes a friend and confidant. We rely on her to be there always, no matter what. The relationship begins to shift to be more of a friendship and we think how lucky we are to have grown up with our best friend being right here by our side.

And then as mom ages, there is another shift, it’s subtle at first and you may not even realize it’s occurring. The roles begin to reverse. You are making sure mom is happy and comfortable. You begin to stop by or call to check on her and ask how her day was. You might start to take her to the grocery store or out to dinner so you know she has eaten and has the food she needs. If mom becomes ill, you take her to the doctor, you care for her just like she did for you once upon a time.

How do you, as a caregiver, handle all of these impactful life changes? Again, it can be subtle. You may not even realize you are in the throughs of caring for another adult until one day, you are exhausted. At this point whatever you feel is OK! Maybe you are angry, “I never signed up for this!” or sad and resentful, “why is all of this my responsibility?” Again, it’s OK to have all of these emotions and you must allow yourself time to process these feelings.

The next step is to find a support system for both you and mom. For you, this can mean someone to get advice from and even someone to help you care for your mom. There are so many great services in the Quad Cities area that are ready to help you. All you have to do is go online, pick up the phone and ask for help.

A great place to start is: 

  • Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG). This is an agency that will help you find the services you and your mom need such as Adult Day programming, Meals on Wheels, and Caregiver Support Groups. NACOG may even be able to help you to pay for these supports. 1-928-774-1895.
  • Spotlight Senior Services and Living Options. Spotlight has both a magazine and a website to assist in finding agencies that may be of service to you and your mom. www.spotlightseniorservices.com.
  •  Alzheimer’s Association. The chapter that services the Quad Cities Area is the Desert Southwest Chapter and you can find them online or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. They have support groups and can assist with helping you find the services you need for mom.

Adult Care Services has been helping families and caregivers for 40 years. The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center and the Margaret T. Morris Assisted Living Center are both great places to find the much-needed support and respite that you need. Mom can relax, make friends and have fun! You can be assured she is getting the nurturing and medical monitoring that she requires.

Always remember that you cannot take good care of mom if you are not taking care of yourself. Finding your resiliency will help you to get through these big life changes. Maybe you have a friend or neighbor you can reach out to. Having someone to talk to can make all the difference in the world. Eating a well-balanced and healthy diet is also crucial, especially for caregivers. After all, you can’t take care of mom if you are not taking care of yourself! Reach out today and get the help you need. You are not alone.

Happy Mother’s Day! QCBN

By Candace Lea

Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison and marketing person for Adult Care Services. She has worked in the human service and healthcare field for more than 30 years. She also is a local yoga teacher. To learn more about these programs, visit adultcareservices.org.

What is a Memory Café?

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Memory Cafés are held in the community at libraries, day centers, clinics or any place that is interested in starting a café.

Memory Cafés are a worldwide recognized support system for those persons afflicted with dementia or other cognitive impairment. The cafés are meant to be fun, educational and relaxing for both the caregiver and the person diagnosed with a memory disorder. According to the University of Washington, the idea of memory cafés or Alzheimer’s cafés started in 1997 by Dutch psychiatrist Bere Missen. His goal was to bring people with dementia and their caregivers “out of the shadows and into the light.” Today, there are more than 1,000 cafés worldwide.

When a person is diagnosed with memory loss, it can be a challenging time, not only for them, but also their entire family. All persons involved may go through the stages of grief, including anger, sadness and denial. This can be a trying time for the family and a Memory Café is a perfect way to come together with others who are experiencing the same thing. This support system is such a valuable resource. Isolation that comes along with many illnesses can be one of the most debilitating factors. When you meet others and you observe that you are not alone, a shift in perception occurs. Friendships and confidants may be established and this is a powerful tool when fighting a long-term illness.

Memory Cafés are held in the community at libraries, day centers, clinics or any place that is interested in starting a café. In the past two years, many cafés have become virtual, for those who are not comfortable attending in person. There is usually a snack or meal served, followed by an art/craft, game or an educational moment. This is an opportunity to enjoy quality time with one another and put the diagnosis on the back burner. Smiles, laughter and relaxation are strongly encouraged! One of the important aspects of the cafés is that the space is set up so the person with memory loss and the caregiver are able to enjoy quality time together. This leveled-out playing field breaks down the ongoing stress and demands that both participants have been going through. They are not separated; this is not a respite event. The activity is structured so that both people can partake and enjoy!

The Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center is so excited to be bringing their Memory Café back to the Quad Cities area. This free café will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m., the second Saturday of each month, beginning April 9. A continental breakfast will be served, followed by a fun-filled game or art project. If you or a friend or family member are suffering with memory loss, dementia or a cognitive impairment, we encourage you to attend. Please RSVP by texting, calling or emailing Candace Lea at 928-441-1039, cl@adultcareservices.org. QCBN

By Candace Lea

If you would like to learn more about the Memory Cafés in the U.S. and other countries, please visit the Memory Café Directory at www.memorycafedirectory.com.

Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison and marketing person for Adult Care Services. She has worked in the human service and healthcare field for more than 30 years. She also is a local yoga teacher. To learn more about these programs, visit adultcareservices.org.

Love is a Many-Splendored Thing

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So, is love a many-splendored thing? Well, of course it is!

Yes, that’s a song, and it is a song that comes to mind in February. It’s that time of the year where love is in the air. Heck, love may be everywhere. Love comes in many different forms: Love for your partner, love for your kids, love for your pets, love for your friends. The main component is caring. Have you ever met a couple and you think, “Wow, they seem to have a special love for each other!”

Let’s talk about one of those love stories and how it’s evolved over the years.

Mary and Peter went on a blind date to a Peter, Paul and Mary concert. How cute is that? They fell in love and married in Battle Creek, Michigan on Sept. 17, 1966.

Mary went on to earn a bachelor of science degree in nursing as well as a masters and Ph.D. from Arizona State University (ASU). She worked as a clinical nurse for many years but then went on to serve as the associate dean of undergraduate nursing at her alma mater, ASU. In 2000, Mary created a ceremony for ASU nursing students called Lighting the Lamp: An Affirmation. This ceremony was a tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Peter earned a Ph.D. in psychology and taught at ASU for 40 years. He specialized in studying memory loss. Mary and Peter have two wonderful adult children, Matt and Megan. They raised the kids in the Phoenix area. Matt has given Mary and Peter two grandchildren and Megan has given them three. Ten years ago, Mary and Peter visited Prescott, fell in love with the community, bought a home and began to transition to the north. Then, the unimaginable happened: Mary began to show signs of memory loss. After several tests, she was diagnosed with dementia and white matter disease.

Fast forward to 2021. Mary is now a resident at the Margaret T. Morris Assisted Living Center.

Peter and Mary are still each other’s biggest fans. When Peter walks in the door, Mary rushes in to give him a generous hug. Even though she suffers from severe memory loss, she has not forgotten her love for Peter. You will find them tucked away in a cozy nook looking at pictures or other memorabilia that Peter has brought for the day’s visit. Mary enjoys showing her photos that are in her memory cabinet outside her bedroom door. The neighborhood-style setting within Margaret T. Morris has been beneficial in helping Mary to settle in and make it her home.

You might see the couple enjoying the fresh air and sunshine of the one-acre Strolling Garden. This seems to be the place that rejuvenates Mary. She can be observed reaching down and picking a flower or commenting about the beautiful leaves that have fallen along the path. Nature has such a wonderful way of bringing good feelings. It’s also good for our health and mood.

Mary is not the only one who brightens when they are together. Peter beams when he tells their story and shares about all of Mary’s accomplishments throughout her life. With his strong arm around her shoulder, he includes her in every conversation. Peter shared that he’s ever so grateful for the love he feels that Mary receives from everyone at Margaret T. Morris Center.

So, is love a many-splendored thing? Well, of course it is! When a couple can fall in love, move across the United States, have rewarding careers, raise amazing children and continue their love story despite devastating illness, it is most definitely a many-splendored thing.

Happy Valentine’s Day to Mary and Peter and thank you both for sharing your love with all of us! QCBN

By Candace Lea

Candace Lea, MBA, is the community liaison and marketing person for Adult Care Services. She has worked in the human service and healthcare field for more than 30 years. She also is a local yoga teacher. To learn more about these programs, visit adultcareservices.org.