Gary’s story
Finding my happy place
Thinking back, the first signs of dementia I noticed happened while I was right in the middle of installing a massive stained glass window — 45 feet high and 35 feet wide. For years, I’d been a handyman specializing in these installations, but suddenly it felt like it was my first day on the job. I climbed down and told my boss, “I can’t do it anymore. I’m just not confident enough in myself.”
That moment was when everything changed. I knew I needed to find support, and that’s when I decided to reach out to the Alzheimer Society and share all my questions and concerns. It wasn’t until their Client Support team called me back as a follow-up and invited me to a support group meeting that I discovered what I really needed — a community.
My weekly support group meetings have become my happy place. This group helps me feel less isolated and alone — I’m with people who truly understand what it’s like living with dementia. We talk about things like childhood memories, summer adventures and experiences that bring back good feelings and create lots of laughs. These meetings also help me to be honest and open about my diagnosis and ask for help when I need it.
My wife Barb has been incredible throughout this whole journey. She recently started attending one of the Society’s care partner support groups, which connects her with others who understand what it’s like to care for someone living with dementia. Her group has helped us learn that open communication helps us work through issues together.
My advice for others living with dementia
It’s scary to make that first appointment to talk about your concerns with your doctor, but the Alzheimer Society’s staff can even help guide you with the right questions to ask.
If you have recently received a dementia diagnosis, I encourage you to connect with the Alzheimer Society right away – their staff are so welcoming.
Make those connections with others who understand dementia — whether it’s staff, volunteers, or other individuals like yourself who come to the Society for support — it really helps you feel like you’re not alone.