Couple Finds a Lifeline at Memorial Memory Center
Leeza’s Place Offers Solace, Support to Caregiver, Patient
Arthur was still learning how to cope with his wife’s illness when he suffered a stroke, making him both a caregiver and a patient.
Dealt a double challenge, the couple found a lifeline at Leeza’s Place at Memorial Hospital Pembroke, a support center for caregivers and patients with memory or neurological disorders.
Audrey, 76, a breast-cancer survivor, suffers from memory loss and a progressive form of dementia.
Arthur, 83, is recovering from a recent stroke that affected his speech and caused weakness on one side. With help from his children, he is still a caregiver to Audrey.
At Leeza’s Place, they meet with others facing similar challenges.
“They taught me how to handle the situation,” Arthur says. “They reassure you that even if you lose your cool, it’s not your fault. I can’t tell you how much I lean on this group. They listen. They make suggestions and give support. We bonded. We take care of each other.”
Audrey finds solace, too, meeting with other patients.
“In the beginning, she fought me on it. Now she enjoys it,” Arthur says. “I found there are people who are worse off. Everybody discusses the problems and we throw out different ideas.”
Not Just a Support Group
Leeza’s Place is not only a support group. It is a resource center and provides activities for caregivers, says neurologist Damon Salzman, MD, Medical Director at the Memorial Memory Center at Memorial Hospital Pembroke.
“One of the most difficult things about memory disorder is that it affects the entire family,” says Dr. Salzman, who is the couple’s physician. “The roles can become greatly changed. You’re husband and wife for the past 50 years, and suddenly you’re taking care of them, changing their clothes, helping them eat. It can be an incredibly stressful challenge. You can feel incredibly isolated.”
Dr. Salzman adds, “Having a social support group where you see you’re not alone and you share thoughts and ideas can make all the difference in the world.”
Arthur and Audrey continue to visit Leeza’s Place twice a month.
“I wouldn’t cancel that under any circumstances,” Arthur says. “We live one day at a time.”
For more information call the Memory Center at Memorial Hospital Pembroke at (954) 883-8023 .
If you would like a referral to a physician, call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.