Caring for the Caregiver

   Martha Diaz, a 63 year-old Boyle Heights, CA native, has faced many challenges since her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2004.  Her mother had a sharp mind until the symptoms of Alzheimer's gradually impaired her cognitive abilities.  She became increasingly forgetful, wandered  the streets, and  left the stove or oven on unattended.  She could no longer bathe or feed  herself.  Her mentality  was diminished to the level of a three year old.  Martha  states, "I was  forced  to  learn  how  to  be  a "mother" to  my   mother."

Martha  explains, " I was married, had worked for the  government  for  29 years, my family was healthy, and most importantly,  I was happy.  I had to leave my old life behind and enter into unfamiliar and unchartered territory."    Martha  had  to  stop  everything  in her life in order to take care of her mother.   She retired from her job to be a full-time caretaker.  Her marriage and happiness  suffered.  She experienced feelings of anger, impatience, loneliness  and depression.    She said to herself, "Who  is  this  person  that I have become?  I know this person was not I,  Martha!"  It was at this moment that she realized that something  had  to  be  done.  

Martha became proactive in order to cope with her situation.  She educated herself about Alzheimer's online and in books.   She joined a local support group, ALGLA, Alzheimer's Greater Los Angeles.  She became more informed and connected to other caregivers.   She  no  longer  felt  alone.
Martha states her truth , " Education is the key, and yes, some  days will be harder than others, but  we are all in this together. "  It is imperative to learn about the disease of the person you are caring for and  to  join a support group.   The caregivers need to attend to themselves as  well  as their loved one.

Martha became a fitness instructor for seniors with Stronger Life, Inc. and also teaches independently at various sites.  She takes her mother with her for the benefit of the  classes and  the social  interactions,  

Stronger Life, Inc  provides the  fitness training and nutritional  guidance for seniors, the homebound and  their caregivers.  We  come to you with the support you need.

​Reference: The  Eastsider  by  Martha  Diaz

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