I'm fighting a loosing battle here, I never said 'to make light of Alzheimer's'. As for 'a walk in the park' that would sum up the final four years caring for my wife as opposed to the period she spent in a Nursing Home. Every day I visited her for up to nine hours and each time I left I was stressed and frustrated at what I witnessed. It was considered a good Home.
Knowing what I now know about the system, the thought of ever having Alzheimer's is frightening to say the least. To be 'put away', lose my independence and have complete strangers take control of my life I'd rather not think about. The stigma attached to it, I'd rather not let my family know and sooner live in denial. I've had much practice at that. Strangers can not provide the emotional and loving support that is required, in addition to the daily feeding, washing and general care a loved one requires. Because someone cannot speak does not mean they can't communicate.
When I took my wife home she was bedridden with many pressure sores and required an air mattress. She refused to eat and her medical notes I still retain state, 'she is dying' and much more. These notes, some 46 pages I attached to the rear of my book.
Nine months after I took her home the medical diary closed and nurses vanished. It was on a Christmas day I decided to raise her from her bed, on to her wheelchair and take her for the first of her daily walks. I had to support her head with one hand while I pushed with the other. As the months passed she regained the strength to hold her head upright. Over the following four years daily walks became enjoyable as did the twice weekly shopping trips. Yes I'd say 'a walk in the park' as a result I have many happy memories.
To this day I retain many videos and photos of our 'journey'. What I find strange, is that none of the 'experts' appeared interested in how I managed to improve her physical health. Could it be they don't like to be proved wrong?
I'll grant you 'one size' does not fit all, but I read many of the problems I encountered on these boards and overcome them. Nursing Homes are the only and best options for many, but they are first and foremost a business run at a profit for the shareholders and owners.