Kristen Hicks on the Laughter and Joy that comes from Caregiving

Episode 13: Kristen Hicks' life has been severely impacted by Alzheimer's. Although both Grandmothers and both of her parents had Alzheimer's, Kristen cherishes the time she spent as a caregiver and shares a very candid, refreshing perspective that is filled with love, joy, laughter and an abundance of gratitude.  You don't want to miss this episode!

BIO
Kristen's experience working with Alzheimer's patients goes back to 1992 working at a small rest home in Florence, Massachusetts. Her position was Food Service Director, but also worked on the floor doing direct care on occasion with the residents. She was a caregiver for her Mother in her final days home on hospice with cancer while also taking care of her boyfriend's mother for a couple years until she passed with IBM, a muscle disease similar to ALS. Three months later, she went on a 10 day visit to see her father in Washington and stayed for 10 months after discovering his memory had really declined. "It was this experience as caregiver 24/7 with my Dad that has had such a profound impact on me as I navigated this crazy, unpredictable, and insidious disease. I think that all my experiences somewhat prepared me for that role, but what I wasn't prepared for was losing so many people so close to me along the way."