Alzheimer's: A Caretaker's Journal

An inspirational tale of one family's love, devotion and faith When I arrived, I approached the figure in the wheelchair. I asked him who I was but my father-in-law did not recognize me. When I tried to help him, he became angry and violent. He tried to get out of his wheelchair and away from me. He yelled, "No! You are not taking me back to Germany! You are all Nazis! You are all trying to kill me." Dad won a Bronze Star Medal for his service during WWII. It took three of us to get him outside to the car. Dad had his fists to me, a growl on his face and threatened to kick me. Then the swearing began . This is a book about the daily trials and tribulations of taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease. In this Journal I share the feelings of confusion, frustration, and blessings I experienced during my ordeal. I wrote this Journal both for myself and with the hope that it might help others deal with similar situations. It's important for caretakers to know that they're not alone, that others have experienced the same frustrations. Sometimes a caretaker feels very isolated-the world, after all, doesn't stop, despite the sense that your world is frozen in time. I'm hoping that this book will offer comfort to those who find themselves in that world. In this Journal I record the little things I did, daily, to preserve my sanity and provide my father-in-law with as nearly a normal life as possible. It is a tale of thoughts, stories, anecdotes, as well as feelings of helplessness, guilt, happiness, and sorrow. If you feel as though you can and want to see your loved one through this awful disease, then this book will offer a helping hand. The Journal will also be of value to anyone who wants some idea of what to expect from a person suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Finally, please remember that Alzheimer's affects different people in many different ways. This is my account of living with Alzheimer's. This publication includes testimonials from Maria's husband (Joe's son) and two of his grandchildren who shared Maria's home-care duties. Also features numerous photographs of family events, both in years past as well as during Joe's illness. This is a very touching, human story about families and how they deal with crises, emerging stronger and closer as a result of their misfortune. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marie Fostino, married now for 33 years, is a mother of five and a grandmother of four. She believes that life is full of many challenges and lessons to be learned. She's held a variety of jobs over the years: fast foods employee, beautician, professional photographer, nursing home aide and paramedic. She's dealt with all kinds of people, young and old, but nothing prepared her for the loss of a loved one to Alzheimer's. Marie enjoys spending time with her family.