Jerry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather — a brilliant man with a PhD in exercise physiology who built a business in sports memorabilia and loved running marathons. When financial difficulties began affecting his business, we never imagined they could be early signs of rapidly progressive dementia.
As his condition progressed, our family faced heartbreak together. We kept Jerry engaged in simple joys, especially word search puzzles — one of the last activities he truly enjoyed. When the grandchildren visited, they helped care for Grandpa, reminding us that caregiving truly takes a village. From the very beginning, Alzheimer’s New Jersey® was part of ours.
Webinars, support groups, and the Helpline provided guidance, reassurance, and practical tools during overwhelming moments. When long-term care insurance was exhausted and we needed to apply for Medicaid, a respite scholarship from the Respite Care and Wellness Program helped us continue providing quality care.
For three years, I served as Jerry’s primary caregiver, discovering strength I never knew I had. My daily mission was to preserve his dignity. With long-term care coverage, Jerry attended a memory day care program twice a week, participating in activities and connecting with others until the disease progressed further.
In February 2025, after difficult family discussions, Jerry moved into a memory care residence. I decorated his room with family and marathon photos to make it feel like home. A phrase I learned in a support group — “enter their world” — guided me through the transition.
Jerry passed away in September 2025, after 54 years of marriage. Through every stage of this journey, he was kept safe, loved, and treated with dignity.
As Jerry’s caregiver, I have learned more about love, strength, and resilience than ever before. Caregiving is a heartbreaking path, but it is also one filled with profound love. I will always be grateful to every person who cared for Jerry.
Thank you, Alzheimer’s New Jersey®, for guiding and supporting me through the most difficult chapter of our lives.
Bobbie, Caregiver and Loving Wife
