Alzheimer's Caregivers Lean on Each Other as They Endure 'The Long Goodbye'

The health of those who take care of people with Alzheimer's has become a focus in the Alzheimer's community, as they still need support to endure the ultimate deterioration of their loved ones, reports Nashville Public Radio . One such caregiver is Vicki Bartholomew, whose husband has Alzheimer's and who is part of a monthly support group of women in similar situations. "My husband's still living, and now I'm in an even more difficult situation — I'm married, but I'm a widow," she notes. The Abe's Garden community, where Bartholomew's husband is a resident, hosts support groups for caregivers. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America also is concentrating on caregivers, with an educational conference touring the United States. "I feel like a lot of times, there's a lot of — for lack of a better word — glory given to the whole idea of someone being long-suffering and staying at home and caring for their loved one and giving up their life basically," says April Simpkins, a member of the same group Bartholomew is part of. "It makes it harder for people who can't do that."