Column by: Emmie Jernigan

Working for Comfort Care Hospice has allowed me to participate in working with patients and families during the most difficult time of their life.  This is truly an honor to help families with such a difficult and personal journey.

As I have often shared, I have taken this journey myself with my own father and husband.  Being a caretaker is the most worthwhile and exhausting journey I have taken.  Part of this journey for me is to be available to others during their time of need.

Four years ago my sister-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 52. What should have been a time of weddings, grandchildren, and travel is now a time of coping with a devastating disease. Watching my brother taking care of his wife has been painful yet inspiring. He is an amazing caretaker.  He shows love and patience daily during a difficult situation.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and gets worse over time.  As with every disease it can vary in the speed it progresses.  For my Sister-in-Law it is beginning to rapidly progress.  As her disease progresses it becomes more difficult for my brother as well as her children and family.

Being a caretaker is difficult and exhausting.  Finding a support group and information is not only important but necessary.

Comfort Care Hospice will be a sponsor for the 14th annual Alzheimer’s Professional and Family Caregiver Conference at Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama on Fri., Aug. 12, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

I believe that the best way to help our loved ones is to learn more about this devastating disease and ways to help our loved ones. I would like to extend an invitation to caretakers to join me on Aug. 12 in Montgomery.  As a sponsor of this event, Comfort Care Hospice can invite caretakers to attend for free.  They must be signed up in advance through Comfort Care Hospice of Brewton.

Please call Emmie Jernigan at 251-363-1740 if you are interested in attending.

Being a caretaker for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s is difficult and exhausting.

Taking the time to educate yourself and your family on techniques and resources is not only important but necessary.

“Dementia does not rob someone of their dignity, it’s our reaction to them that does.”  Teepa Snow

 

This article is sponsored by Comfort Care Hospice. For more information about available services call the number above or visit their office on Belleville Avenue.