With Alzheimer’s, it is often family who steps in to become the designated caregiver for their loved one affected by the disease. Special facilities are available, but spouses, children, or grandchildren learn how to communicate and provide care through all stages of Alzheimer’s.

Children of Alzheimer’s or dementia patients find themselves in reversed roles, taking charge of their parent’s care. Elaine Rusk was the primary caregiver for her dad, Norman Polner, who was living with the disease. In the beginning of this video, she explained that she participates in a few caregiver support groups where others share their experiences.

A member of one the groups asked Elaine if her father knew he had Alzheimer’s and Elaine shared his response in the video below. His short answer? “Yes, I know I got it.” Sounding very spry and lucid, Norman continues to have a conversation with this daughter, and also asked whether she would answer the woman. He was on top of things!

Another support group friend wanted to know if Norman understood what the disease is, so Elaine again asked him directly. Listening intently to her question, he stated as-a-matter-of-factly that he indeed knew what Alzheimer’s was. “Yes!” he said. “It’s loss of memory.”

When Elaine’s father was diagnosed in March 2014, one of the first things she did was find activities to keep his mind stimulated. She told her local paper that she remembered he loved to paint when she was growing up. So she got her dad into his old hobby again, arming him with paintbrushes and watercolors.

The Alzheimer’s Association points to studies about social and mental activities that might aid in the prevention, or slow the progression, of Alzheimer’s disease. According to their facts and figures, over 5 million Americans live with the condition, while global estimates are approximately 47 million.

After diagnosis, quality of life and life expectancy can start to decline. It varies, but once a person is diagnosed, he/she can live anywhere from three to twenty years, depending on how the disease progresses.

Elaine’s time with her father as his caregiver and painting buddy worked both ways. She improved his quality of life and received quality time with him, while giving him windows into old memories. She was quoted as saying:

“To me, it’s like a sacred time. We’re in the moment together.”

His sweet demeanor is hard to resist and the two clearly have a loving bond. In addition to inducing tears in all of us, the charming video has helped encourage others going through the same thing. In February 2016, the delightful gentleman passed away at age 91.

Caring for a parent who has a life-changing medical condition can be both challenging and rewarding. In many ways, it’s an honor to look after one of the people who brought you up. Emotionally, it can be tough to witness them going through this experience. But you’re in it together!

To anyone who’s a caregiver out there, keep fighting the fight and being a compassionate, loving support person. It’s so vital to your loved one’s battle. And don’t forget to care for you too!

Can any of you relate to Elaine and Norman’s experience? How do you keep your loved one’s spirits up? Share with us in the comments!