There are ways...

I've written about Julie before. Right here. Because she's a prime example. Of what happens to Alzheimer care-givers. That don't take adequate care of themselves. Maybe for admirable reasons.  Because they are saints. But that's not the case with Julie. She ain't a saint. And doesn't want to be. Her friends just want her to be Julie. The woman that existed before she took on the mammoth task of caring for her Alzheimer-riddled parents. In her own home. For six years. With a vital assist, of course, from husband Rick. I'm amazed. That the marriage lasted through all this. But it's a tribute. To a loving couple. Julie's mother died. About two years ago. Her father, however, lingers on. Now in a unique residential nursing home. Where he's well-adjusted. Because he gets the best of care.  Lots of one-on-one mental and physical therapy.  As close to ideal that it ever gets. For someone with Alzheimer's. Anyway, the worst of it should be over. For Julie. And Rick. But Julie needs psychotherapy. Because she hasn't adjusted. Hasn't recovered from her ordeal. She flits into bouts of anxiety and depression. I've seen it happen to other care-givers. I understand. They have become emotionally drained. And it's hard to bounce back. But it's not impossible. I've gotten on with life. After 13 years as a care-giver. I'm trying to tell Julie, and others in a similar dilemma. To seek help. Mentally. And physically. There are ways to return to normal and happy and well-adjusted living again. --Jim Broede