Stories from Caregivers: Jennifer from VIRGINIA
VA
Jennifer
FROM VIRGINIA
My name is Jennifer I am a 35 year old mother to 4 children and have been married to my husband 8 years. My father Charles has diabetes and Alzheimer's and its a full time job staying on top of his health. I feel like I am a 35 year old mother to 5 children sometimes. He likes to sneak snickers bars and stuff he can't have. He has been living with me now for 2 years. I work part time as an accountant and my husband is an electrician and supports the family financially. Being a caregiver for my father is a lot of work but I wouldnt trust anyone else to care for him but me. I have a sister who comes to help when she can but she lives across the country so its pretty much just me. Blood checks, medication, food, dr appts, therapy, all that is my responsibility. My dad took such good care of me since I was a child it makes me feel so fullfilled to be able to repay him by taking such good care of him now. Even though living in a house with 4 kids drives him a little crazy sometimes I think it helps keep his mind sharp.
