February 6, 2025

A Family’s Dementia Journey: Meriam and Ruth’s Caregiving Story

Caregiver Experience Caregiver Stories

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We extend our heartfelt thanks to Meriam and Ruth for their openness and willingness to share their experiences. We hope that by sharing their journey, others who find themselves in similar situations can find inspiration, support, and encouragement to build their own networks of care and connection.

Family comes first. That’s the guiding light for Meriam, Ruth, and their large, close-knit family. When Ruth was diagnosed with dementia 4 years ago, her daughter, Meriam, became her primary caregiver. As a former nurse, Meriam is familiar with how dementia can impact the brain and aging process. In her words, it “takes a special kind of love and patience.”

As Ruth’s dementia progresses, Meriam knows life will become more challenging in their household. She’ll forget people and places more often, need more assistance with daily activities like bathing and dressing, and lose the ability to do things on their own.

Caregiving With the Whole Family

Meriam is part of the “Sandwich Generation,” or those who care for aging parents while also raising children. With four siblings, her husband of 25 years, two adult children, two adopted children, and a foster dog, Meriam’s support system is not something she takes for granted. Whether she’s caring for her mother, her children, or her pets, caregiving is in her blood.

“Being a caregiver and mother and overall nurturer has been my destiny,” Meriam said. 

Ruth lives with Meriam and her two youngest children. As a family, they go swimming, spend time together on walks, and keep busy around the house. To keep Ruth’s brain active, Meriam helps her mother with tasks and projects at home including matching socks and folding laundry, doing the dishes, and sweeping. These activities help maintain routine and structure in Ruth’s day and enhance her mental focus.

In the last few years, the family has developed a plan that gives Meriam time for herself. Meriam’s sister is Ruth’s alternate caregiver, while her daughter and other siblings step in to help as needed. An alternate caregiver provides essential support, allowing primary caregivers to rest and recharge knowing their loved one is in capable hands. For Meriam, that’s the most important part—that when she steps away, Ruth is being cared for by someone who loves her like she does.

“We are a team. It’s all about developing a team. They know I care for my mom with love, and they care for me. They give me some time for me so I can relax,” Meriam said.

Meriam and her loved ones look for ways to continue making memories with the matriarch of their family. Ruth’s granddaughter will often take her out for the day—most recently to visit a local apple festival and to pick out flowers, an activity that brings Ruth joy. Though dementia presents challenges for Ruth’s memory and cognitive function, her family is dedicated to making memories and keeping her busy. 

Finding Caregiving Support With Careforth

Meriam and Ruth have been part of Careforth’s Adult Family Living service for almost 2 years. In 2023, Meriam was referred to Careforth by Ruth’s neurologist. Meriam welcomed the opportunity to get support while allowing Ruth to stay in the comfort of their family home. They were connected with Sue, the family’s Careforth care manager, who has been with them at every step of the way. 

As an experienced nurse of 40 years with a background in home care, Sue builds trust and a close connection with the families she works with. She wants to put families at ease and help them understand that we’re all human. From providing referrals for durable medical equipment, to making a phone call to the doctor’s office, to helping them maneuver the healthcare system, Sue meets families where they are depending on their needs.

“Sue is so sweet. She always gets us the help we need and is excellent at what she does,” Meriam said.

Meriam wears several hats as caregiver to her mother; Sue’s goal is to be there as a support and resource. “[Meriam is] a wonderful caregiver to her mom. She advocates for her, and she asks questions that need asking. She’s very supportive of all the things that her mom needs,” Sue said.

Meriam and Ruth are a beautiful example of the love and devotion of family: “The first ingredient of everything is love. And I love what I do.”

Careforth Supports Family Caregivers

At Careforth, we strive to provide the resources and connections that ensure caregivers feel supported at every turn in their caregiving journey. Visit the How We Help page on our site to learn more about how Careforth supports caregivers, or contact us for more information.