Husband Makes It His Mission To Give Wife With Dementia “The Best Day” Every Day
Although Jim and Maureen’s relationship has changed drastically over the course of their 55 years of marriage, the love they have for each other hasn’t faded a bit. The pair can be found at their favorite café three times a week. Jim shares that this routine started after his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in 2020.
A year after this diagnosis, Maureen’s health declined rapidly in a single weekend. In fact, Jim was told that she wouldn’t survive to see the next week. Despite these odds, however, she’s still around three years later. Now, Jim does whatever he can to make the most of each day she has left.
“My philosophy is each day, I want to give Maureen the best day she can have,” Jim explains. “That statement stems from when she came out of the hospital, and each day could have been her last. We’re very lucky. With dementia, I hear that people change their personality. But she’s the same happy person.”
That’s why the loving pair can be found at their café so often — getting out is a great way for Maureen to enjoy her day. Plus, after coffee and lunch, Jim can take her for a stroll on Queenscliff Shelly Beach. This location is quite a sentimental place for the couple.
Man Finds Wholesome Way to Better the Life of His Wife With Dementia
“Our first date was to go to Queenscliff beach,” he says. “That’s the first time I held Maureen’s hand. And every day when I come to the beach, we walk down to Queenscliff and I remind her that this is where we first held hands. But she doesn’t understand.”