Karen was her mother’s full-time caregiver. At the age of 43 she left her job to care for her 24 hours a day. Karen said, “I never imagined that the hardest thing about being a full-time Alzheimer’s caregiver would be the emotional and financial aftershocks I’ve felt since I left that role.” Sometimes I was overwhelmed by it all. But there were tender, satisfying times, too. I knew my mom felt loved and safe in our little world. (1) Statement was from The Penn Memory Center “Insight” Newsletter. Calumet Photographic Philadelphia location. May 25, 2013.

This is Dawn her father was Harrington Fassett. She along with her son, her mother Gwenny and five brothers were caregivers for their father who developed dementia. Philadelphia. May 25, 2013.

This is Gwenny. Her husband, Harrington had a stoke in October 2001, he developed dementia. For eleven years she and their six children were his caregivers. He lived with them all of those years. He never went to a nursing home. He died in 2012. Philadelphia, May 25, 2013.

Taur stated during our conversation, “her father asked his wife to please give him a daughter”. Taur is her father’s caregiver. Manhattan. July 13, 2013

Enrie and her sisters care for their mother. Manhattan, July 13, 2013.

Vikki is her mother’s caregiver. One day her mother was trying to turn on the TV. But the remote was not working, Vikki looked at the remote and realized her mother was trying to turn on the TV with the telephone. They got a laugh out of it. July 13, 2013

Yvonne’s husband Roosevelt was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2005. Although he no longer recognizes her, he still loves to dance with her when she visits. July 13, 2013.

Meet Paula. She is the caregiver for her wonderful mother who developed a form of dementia about four years ago. Paula states “it is a privilege to take care of her mother”. Manhattan NY. July 13, 2013.

This is Teri her mother has had Alzheimer’s disease for an extended period of time. She believes her mother started showing signs twenty years ago. They live together. Manhattan NYC. July 13, 2013.

Shirley was a caregiver for her mom. She described it as one of the most beautiful experiences in her life. Manhattan NYC. July 13, 2013