Karen's Story in Her Words
I first noticed changes in my mom's cognitive function when she was 70. As an Occupational Therapist in long-term care, I knew I was well-equipped for what was to come, but the reality was far more difficult. The reciprocal relationship, and in particular the friendship I shared with my mom, started to fade. She couldn’t maintain attention, struggled to follow directions or sequence some of her favorite tasks. She was eventually diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.
My dad and I were determined to keep her at home and engaged. We shared meals, music, walks, exercise, and reminisced over old photos. As her condition progressed, we needed more structure—daily routines, a day program, and help with personal care. My dad arranged home support, and we invested in adaptive equipment to maintain her safety and abilities. I witnessed a very intimate and fragile side of not only my mom, but my dad as well. It forced a different type of family dynamic and unconditional support, an all-hands-on deck approach.
Placing her in a nursing home was devastating. Despite my experience, and the fact that it was the nursing home I worked in, the mental strength I needed to muster was overwhelming. It altered my understanding and impression of all the patient and family interactions I’ve had since. I’m so grateful for the compassion and care, not only for my mom at the end stage of her life, but also for the support and kindness my dad received. The challenges and adjustments that families go through when a loved one enters a nursing home are almost unbearable, but without strong family support, almost unimaginable. Later that same year, my 53-year-old brother, with Down Syndrome, passed away. I truly believe he couldn’t exist on this earth without our mom, they shared an incredibly special bond.
I was profoundly altered, and these experiences fueled my commitment to creating something meaningful out of all the sadness. I spent countless hours educating myself on healthy aging, underwent genetic testing, and racked my brain over the various environmental factors and lifestyle choices I make on a daily basis. Not only was I overwhelmed with vast choices and challenges, but I couldn’t help thinking about others in similar situations. I feel the current stage of life I am in is difficult for me to define. I wonder what else I can do, what can I learn, how can I help? I created Elevate Aging to figure these questions out. This site is committed to honest support, helpful information, strategies and quality products to support aging well. I believe through our daily choices, we all have the ability to set ourselves up for success and truly Elevate Aging.
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