According to The Senior Source President and CEO Cortney M. Nicolato,
“As 2017 comes to an end and the holiday season is upon us, we take time to reflect upon our many blessings and the true meaning of the holidays. Family, friends and togetherness are in the forefront of our minds. For many seniors in our community, being together with those they love most is easier said than done.
For example, Katy and her husband, have been married for 54 years. Now, they’re facing the challenges of their older years—together. Shortly before she was diagnosed with dementia, Katy recognized her memory was slipping. Concerned, she asked her husband, ‘What will I do? How will I remember?’ ‘Don’t worry,’ he assured her. ‘I will be right there with you, and I will remember for the both of us.’
“Every 66 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s. The older adult and their caregiver enter into a journey they never expected. Once diagnosed, older adults will need support and their caregivers will need help in taking care of themselves. Luckily, in Dallas, those older adults have The Senior Source to turn to.
“The Senior Source matched Katy with a trained and vetted volunteer who offers companionship and assists with daily living activities. The presence of Katy’s volunteer in their lives means her husband is less likely to neglect his own needs while caring for her, and it means they can stay in their home together. This was what they wanted, just as it is the hope of so many older adults.
“Our wish is that all seniors will have the tools they need to live the lives they deserve. This is one of the many ways we plan to fill the homes of older adults with hope this holiday season and throughout the year. If you are able, please consider a donation to The Senior Source to ensure we can continue to assist, protect, and connect Dallas area older adults today and into the future.
“Visit www.TheSeniorSource.org to learn more and to check out ways you can make a difference.”
-By Cortney M. Nicolato, The Senior Source president and CEO
* Photo provided by The Senior Source