When Theo suffered a stroke and was unable to care for herself as she once did, Bill quit his job to care for her. Then money became tight, and Bill had to get back to work.

At first, Bill hired attendants to stay with Theo during the day while he worked. Bill told me that he hired attendants from various agencies, but that they never seemed to send the same person twice. He said, “I had to wait every morning for each new attendant, give her instructions on how to care for Theo, and get the medicine out. It wasn't very good. We were very unhappy.”

Later, Bill discovered adult care services, a community-based center for frail elderly. Theo began by attending the center three times each week. She would stay at home the other two days with an attendant. This arrangement allowed Bill to continue working knowing that Theo was safe.

“It's been excellent,” Bill told me. “At first Theo didn't like the idea of leaving our home. She thought adult day service centers were like a nursing home. Now she looks forward to going.”

Adult day service centers offer relief to caregivers like Bill. The centers enable caregivers to continue providing care at night and on weekends, while the adult day services provide help during the day. Caregivers can continue their daily lives knowing that their loved one is well cared for.

I liked to visit Theo almost every afternoon at the adult day service center before she passed away. She usually was watching the Cubs play on television when I came to visit. We’d listen to Harry Carey describe the action. Holy Cow! I have to admit I liked watching the Cubs games as much as Theo did, even though I’m a Cardinals fan.

Bill came by the adult day service center after work to take Theo home. She wasn't a large person but she was a handful. Bill never complained, nor asked for help. I still admire how dedicated Bill was to Theo and how they loved and cared for each other.

Sometimes we only have one chance in life to do things right. Like most couples, Bill felt it was his responsibility to continue caring for Theo. He was determined, with a little outside help, to keep Theo at home for as long as possible, and he did.

There are adult day service centers throughout Southern Illinois. If you would like more information, use the link below to contact us. We can also assist with other options, such as assisted living and help choosing a nursing home when necessary.

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