Julia was a hardworking woman who emigrated from Mexico 17 years ago. About five years ago, two of Julia’s daughters started noticing a change in their mom. Most notable was her growing disinterest in working as a cook, which she previously loved to do. They also saw that Julia, a very social and friendly person, began to isolate herself from her family and friends. They were confused and worried and initially thought she was having an episode of depression. However, due to family history of Alzheimer’s disease the family contacted the Alzheimer’s Association, who referred them to the Latino Geriatric Center Memory Clinic located in the UCC Adult Day Center.
Julia was evaluated by the Memory Clinic Geriatrician who diagnosed her with Alzheimer’s disease. Since that moment, Julia’s oldest daughter, Paula has been attending the monthly caregiver support group and began to realize the importance of getting her whole family involved in her mom’s care. She motivated her entire family to participate in the annual Memory Walk which supports the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition, she is participating in the Fotonovela, a project sponsored by the Medical College of Wisconsin and the United Community Center that seeks to educate Latino families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. One of Julia’s granddaughters, Griselle, even spent her summer vacation volunteering at the Early Memory Loss Program at the UCC Senior Center.
“According to Paula, after her mother’s diagnosis, the Memory Clinic became her 911.” She was confused and uncertain about how to help her mother, but found relief and most important critical support at the UCC. Paula is thankful for the education and support that the Memory Clinic has offered. As a result of her participation at the center and speaking with the staff, Paula now believes she has a thorough understanding of Alzheimer’s disease allowing her to actively participate in her mother’s plan of care. This also helps her maintain a calm atmosphere at home. Paula has seen that many times Alzheimer’s disease separates the family because people want to deny the hardships that the disease will bring. Nevertheless, she has found this to be an uplifting experience. She now she sees herself as a caregiver and takes that role with pride and an understanding of the responsibility she now has in her family. While Paula has found it hard to have a regular life at home, she feels strongly that it’s important for her to help share her knowledge about this disease with others and to teach how to efficiently seek out resources in the community. Paula has worked hard to educate her family about her mom’s disease and share with them her knowledge, and as a result the entire family has become the guardians for Julia.
Paula would like to share one important advice she has learned with other Latino families affected by Alzheimer’s disease-- educating oneself about the disease is of foremost importance. “Instead of responding to the disease as past generations have, by isolating the people who suffered from it, we have to stand up for them by becoming informed and looking for help on time.” ~Paula Hernandez