Rita, Alzheimer's, and Me - A Family Caregiver's Story of Alzheimer's Disease

Rita's Early Years

Rita in the 1950s.

Photo © Don Franklin

Rita and I first met in the early summer of 1955. She was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and had lived there the first 21 years of her life, attending the local schools and working as a hairdresser. In 1950, Rita immigrated to Australia, where she resided until 1955. At that time, her father became ill and Rita decided to return to Scotland to be near him during his time of crisis. It was shortly after her return to Scotland that Rita and I met.

• Rita's Early Years
• How I Found Rita
• A Long, Happy Marriage
• Getting the Diagnosis
• Lessons Learned as a Caregiver
• The Memory Care Center
• The Initial Adjustment
• The Value of Activities
• Art as a Means of Expression
• Rita, You Will Be Missed!