Cognitive illness
Cliff
Cliff acted as a teacher for over 40 years. For years, he also devoted himself to painting. Upon retirement, he focused on his hobby of oil painting. Cliff and his wife Diane took full advantage of life. Diane then began noticing that the behaviour of her loving husband became different. He sat for long periods doing nothing and looking away. He lacked energy and was less passionate. Shortly thereafter, Cliff and Diane received a diagnosis; Cliff suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Cliff cognitive functions were declining rapidly. Diane felt overwhelmed by her new role as caregiver. She called In Home Care Group and was presented to Jill, trained by the Alzheimer Society of Montreal, South shore and a member of our staff. When she visited Diane and Cliff, she offered support with the tasks that Diane found the most stressful, such as bathing and personal care. She also helped by vacuuming, dusting the furniture and sometimes preparing meals when Diane asked for. This allowed Diane to have rest and recuperate. It also allows her to have time to sit down with Cliff, take his hand, leafing through their photo albums and remembering good times together.