My name is Bob and I live with dementia
Bob and his wife Bev face dementia every day. Learn how you can help people like Bob get the support they need.
My name is Bob and I live with dementia.
For most of my life, I was the person my family came to when they needed help. It was always, “Take it to Bob, he’ll get it done.” There wasn’t anything I couldn’t do. But things have changed.
In all honesty, my diagnosis hit me like a truck. Dementia is hard to accept. It’s difficult to find yourself among the changes this disease causes.
I often say it’s like the left side and the right side of my brain are out having coffee in two different places.
The months after that diagnosis were especially difficult. I felt a lot of anger, which is not the norm for me. I kept analyzing my past, finding moments and signs that fit into the mosaic of this disease. I was trying to come to terms with what was going on. In moments like these, you may not realize how much you’re struggling, but others see it…My family could see it.
My wife, Bev, reached out to the Alzheimer Society early on to ask what she could do. The staff there have been a huge support for both of us.
They understand where I’m at and give me ideas on how to accept and live with the difficult emotions dementia brings.
I attend a support group over Zoom every Monday and I never miss a meeting. It sets my whole day up to be positive. There is a lot of banter and laughs, along with some serious discussions about what we face when it comes to living with dementia. What matters most is that we understand and accept each other.
Once in a while I ask the staff coordinator if we can speak after the meeting, and sometimes we talk for almost an hour. When I’m going through a hard time, it helps immensely. This coordinator has gone from just someone I know, to a friend.
When I meet other people facing dementia, the first thing I tell them is to contact the Alzheimer Society. The staff are so compassionate. It’s a community that cares, and that’s the biggest thing.
I’ve realized that I’m still Bob.
My family helped me turn that corner to acceptance. Some days are hard and I’m figuring out what I can and can’t do. And then things change and I have to adjust again. But that’s where the Society helps. At every new turn, I have people to go to for guidance — people who accept me as I am, everyday.
I can’t say enough about what the Alzheimer Society’s support has meant to Bev and me. Please consider making a donation and supporting others living with dementia.
Your gift today keeps that lifeline open — for my family and for the next family navigating life after a diagnosis.
Bev and I chose to become monthly donors to give back to the Alzheimer Society. We rely on them, and
now they can rely on us. It’s an easy way to give and make your impact go even further. If you can, join us in
giving monthly. You can be a continuous support to families living with dementia.
