Mom sits in her living room, holding her doll, Nikki, Mom is in the sixth stage of Alzheimer's, meaning she has little cognitive recognition of the world around her, is confined to a wheelchair, and needs around the clock care. There are hired caregivers that come to her home, but Brenda and Bruce are the main providers for their mother, and work on a schedule that is posted on a large whiteboard calendar in their kitchen.
Brenda holds Polly, and eight-year-old dachshund, while Mom pets her head. Polly has become accustomed to sitting on Mom's lap, and does not react to Mom handling her.
Mom holds her doll, Nikki, in her home in her home in Webster, N.Y. Nikki. The doll was given to Mom by her youngest son, after the son purchased Nikki at an antiques store and Mom believed it to be a real baby.
Mom holds Nikki while watching a Christmas movie with Bruce. Sundowning is a condition that affects many Alzheimer's patients, and is the confusion and stress created by the change in light of sunset.
Brenda helps Mom finish her smoothie for lunch. Mom is on aspiration precautions, so she can no longer eat solid foods.
Brenda pets her dog, Reese, while she sits
with her mother. Mom has few days of clarity now, and much more often is stressed.
Brenda holds Mom's hand, encouraging her to eat lunch.
Mom holds her face while sitting at her kitchen table. Bruce likes to bring Mom to the kitchen so she can look into the backyard.