Mary’s Story

Mary was living in an affluent, long-term care facility known to specialize in dementia care. Mary’s daughter often found her lethargic, sleeping and not participating in activities. Within a few months she had declined to a level where she was no longer walking, participating in any activities or participating in her own care. She demonstrated a poor appetite and experienced a significant weight loss, and was eventually placed on hospice.

Before going into hospice, Mary was assessed by a licensed Occupational Therapist specializing in dementia care. The therapist noted that Mary had many positive indicators, and Mary’s daughter agreed to entrust her mother’s care to the Parc Provence family. Parc Provence Caregivers prioritized building a loving and supportive relationship while emphasizing Mary’s strengths, so she could successfully participate in meaningful activities.

Mary and her daughter have now seen first hand what a difference Parc Provence’s unique approach to care can make. She was quickly discharged from hospice and is now feeding herself and eating the majority of each meal, brushing her own teeth, actively participating in many activities throughout the day and starting therapy to regain the ability to walk. Recently, Mary told her caregiver, “My heart is breaking with happiness.”

Too often, a person experiencing changes in function due to Alzheimer’s is dismissed as simply succumbing to their disease process. We know it takes skill, heart and resources to identify and realize the potential lying within each person with Alzheimer’s and to give them the opportunity to live in a greater well being every day.