It’s been a rough ride over the past five years for Sandy Goran and her siblings as they try to support their 92-year-old mom through her journey with dementia… and that is why they are so grateful to the Alzheimer Society’s First Link® program.
The program connects people with dementia and their families to information, support services and education as early as possible, and throughout the progression of the disease.
“I would have cracked without Liz,” admits Sandy, referring to Liz McLeod,
Senior Manager, Regional Services from the Westman office located in Brandon.
“She supports us so much with educational information, reassurance, regular Zoom meetings and connections to other support services. She keeps us working together and supporting each other,” says Sandy, who lives in Gilbert Plains.
Their mom, Shirley Whyte, raised her three girls in Dauphin. She lived on her own for many years after she lost her husband, taking good care of herself and her house. She loved it when her family visited or took her to the cottage.
But in 2017, Shirley’s behaviour began to change. She developed routines and couldn’t cope if they were interrupted. If she didn’t do tasks for a while, she forgot how. She became increasingly preoccupied about certain things.
By 2020, she could not keep her medications or finances straight and it became apparent she was no longer safe living on her own. Covid restrictions resulted in extreme loneliness and a lack of access to services, making things even worse.
The struggle to find a suitable place to care for her was extremely difficult. There was no place available in Dauphin and Shirley was very resistant to moving out of her home. It had been her safe haven for 58 years. “I look at it this way. Change is hard, and change you don’t want is even harder,” says Sandy, who with her sisters Carolyn Gordon in Swan River and Barbara Henderson in Brandon, had to make some tough decisions.
Ultimately, in February 2021, the family agreed Shirley should move to an assisted living facility in Brandon. It was and continues to be difficult, but it is for the best, the sisters agree, adding with Liz’s support, they know they’re making the right decisions.
“Your strength is often drained when dealing with situations and decisions. Getting the support you need is critical,” says Carolyn. “The Alzheimer Society has provided our family with that much needed strength and support as we travel this journey with our mom.”