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MEMORY LOSS CARE IS TOUGH

Caring for someone with dementia is easily a full-time task. Richard and Janis Whatley have been married for over 52 years, and Mr. Whatley has been his wife’s caregiver since her Alzheimer’s diagnosis 5 years ago. The couple has known about MRC Mirador since its early years, but only began calling MRC home earlier this year. Mrs. Whatley moved into Memory Support in June, and Mr. Whatley followed-suit, moving into Independent Living in October.

FACTS ABOUT DEMENTIA

While their journey to Mirador was a slow and steady process, Alzheimer’s and other dementias aren’t always. As of 2019, 5.8 million people live with dementia in the U.S.A., and nearly two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women (2019 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, Alzheimer’s Association). Though the cause of this statistic isn’t fully known, the fact remains the same: women are twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s in their lifetime.

HOW MRC MIRADOR IS THE BEST SOLUTION TO MEMORY CARE AND RETIREMENT NEEDS

Amidst the worry and loneliness that caring for a loved one with memory loss can cause, the MRC Mirador team members are focused on walking side-by-side with families as they navigate the world of memory loss. “Vanessa (Mirador Marketing Director) had a solution for every question,” said Mr. Whatley.

Prior to moving to Mirador, he and his beloved sidekick, a dog named Darling, found that a family-sized house was a lot of upkeep for just one person. Additionally, Mr. Whatley wanted to be closer to his wife. “I was just trying to be pragmatic. It doesn’t really make sense to be paying all the utilities for a big house only to spend the nights there,” Whatley said. As it is, Mr. Whatley splits his time between his wife’s room in Memory Support and his independent living apartment, where Darling stays.

“I go visit her around 7 p.m. after she’s gotten ready for bed, and we watch T.V. until she falls asleep. We share breakfast together every morning.”

THE BEST LIVING FOR BOTH HUSBAND AND WIFE

This scenario works well for the Whatleys, allowing Mr. Whatley the freedom to spend time with his wife and enjoy the array of activities that can be found at MRC Mirador. “I’m amazed at the diverse people here who’ve had experiences I’ve only dreamt of,” Mr. Whatley marvels as he raves about the friendships and lifestyle at Mirador. Mostly, however, providing Mrs. Whatley with a routine and round-the-clock caregivers that can be so helpful for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

While these last several years haven’t been ideal due to the struggles related to Alzheimer’s, Mr. Whatley remains positive. “I’ve had 52 good years with my sweetheart, it’s not much to complain about.”

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