HUSBAND AND WIFE

The hospice nurse and I went out and met with "Bonnie" and "Sam" as their physician made a hospice referral for both of them. Both have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease several years ago. In addition, both have been in a recent decline per their daughter, "Connie". 

We admitted Sam to our hospice program as he met the hospice criteria that is mandated by Medicare guidelines. He is wheelchair bound, speaking only a few words at a time, and dependent with all of his activities of daily living. He is eating very little and has been losing weight.

While Bonnie is still able to walk around independently and follow our conversations with ease, she has no short term memory. She shared many stories of her past, but struggled with recent events. The couple have three supportive children; although all live out of state. Connie has been staying with her parents for several weeks, but has plans on returning to her home in Idaho soon.

Fortunately the couple has funds to pay for full time attendant care, which relieves their children as they know their parent's needs will be met. It is amazing how this couple's sixty-five year marriage has allowed them to be with each other throughout the years. They worked together in a family owned business while retiring at the same time.

Now they both share a medical diagnosis and each are coping in ways that work for them. Sam so heavily accepts and relies on Bonnie to be in charge. Bonnie so naturally has the take charge personality. They likely will spend the time that they have left with those particular roles as it works so naturally for both of them.


HUSBAND AND WIFE　

They have been married over sixty years.
They have always done everything as one.
Working together in a family owned business;
raising three children in their country home.

She has always been the one in charge.
He, with his soft heart and loving soul, complies.
He gives his children love and respect,
while she firmly lays down the law.

Their relationship has worked well for them
as he knows he can rely on her to always guide him.
He looks at her with such loving eyes,
appreciating her strength in speaking the truth.

They both were diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease
while together now, in a recent, rapid decline.
He speaks only a few words with his soft tender voice,
while her forceful behavior is beginning to shine.

The children have hired twenty-four hour care
making sure their parents get the help they so need.
Likely, not surprised, they are doing this too as one,
as they always have; and always will be
          Husband and wife.