Robert (Bob) Hershberger presented his insights and experiences as the primary caregiver for his wife Dee as she battled Alzheimer’s disease.  Bob started off by saying this was a role in his life that he was totally unprepared for and had no idea what to do!  He described how he had to learn to cope with the many changes in his wife’s demeaner as she progressed with the disease, from her moments of happiness and joy to times of violent outbursts.   He describes his wife as being well educated and intelligent and believes that in the early stages, she was able to compensate when her memory failed her, especially short-term memory.  It was hard to find caregivers for her because she only seemed to trust him and chaos resulted when trying to have “strangers” tend to her basic needs.  He tried care facilities, but her outbursts caused her to be sent home after only a days stay in many cases.  At the end, she did end up in a facility and it was while she was there that Bob realized that “love medicine” was the only thing that kept her calm over and above any other medications she was being given. 

Bob was constantly being asked by doctors to tell them when changes occurred, so he started to keep a journal.  He found that not only did this keep track of Dee’s progression, but it was an outlet for him to empty his mind of his thoughts and feelings.  He decided to turn this journal into a book in hopes it will help others gain a better understanding of the challenges they, too, may face when being a caregiver.  As he stressed, he had no idea what to do and what was ahead, and not that he’s looking to sell books, but rather be a resource to others.

The recording was started after his bio was given.  To read more about Bob, click here for the bio that was presented at the beginning of the seminar.