It's the comfort of knowing that you can stay safely in your home.
Help people living with dementia age in place at home.
Bob and Judy's Story
Home is where the health is
Partnerships take on various forms, but the essence of having someone by your side remains universal. For Bob and Judy, their companionship has withstood the test of over 55 years, a journey marked by military service, global adventures, and the joys of raising a family together.
Now in their retirement, settled in Ottawa, they cherish moments on their porch reminiscing about a lifetime together.
Judy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, accompanied by Parkinson’s dementia. She then had a fall, breaking her hip. It was a tough time for Judy in Hospital, but Bob was determined to get her back to the safety and comfort of their home – with him by her side.
Bob set to work modifying their home for Judy’s physical health: he had a chair lift installed, had replaced the toilets with taller models, and fitted safety bars in the bathroom and shower.
But Bob didn’t know where to start when it came to adapting their home to be more inclusive for her dementia.
The program you are about to read about is at risk of not being funded for 2024.
Finding Dementia Support for Your Home
Faced with the possibility of Judy having to move into long-term care, far from their cherished front porch, Bob sought the assistance of the ADAPT program.
Through a virtual meeting with an occupational therapist, Bob received guidance on making their home safe for Judy.
“All these things will keep Judy and I together”.
- Bob
3 Simple yet Impactful Additions to a Home
1. Timed Pill Dispenser
This device allows Bob to program medication schedules, alleviating the anxiety of missed doses and ensuring Judy's well-being and autonomy.
2. Alexa
Alexa became a virtual assistant for Judy and Bob. From adding items to a shopping list to providing companionship through music or answering questions, Alexa brought peace of mind to both.
3. Whiteboard
The whiteboard is a visual aid, displaying Judy's schedule and providing her with autonomy and clarity about her day.
The transformative power of these additions not only lightened the burden of managing dementia but also reinforced Bob’s commitment to keeping Judy by his side. As Judy lovingly expressed, “He’s persevering”.
The ADAPT Program is provided free of charge for those in need in our region, but it is at risk of not being funded for 2024.
Keeping Care Partners Together at Home
When asked what drove Bob to seek out help in adapting their home, his response was simply “All these things will keep Judy and I together”.
As we approach the holiday season, we invite you to join us in supporting The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County’s ADAPT Program.
Your donation today will ensure that individuals living with dementia in our community have access to the services that will empower them to age in place at home with their loved ones.
Every contribution, regardless of size, plays a crucial role in preserving the independence and well-being of those facing dementia. Your gift this holiday season will be a lifeline, allowing people to stay in their homes, surrounded by the warmth of their loved ones, for longer.