HOUSTON, November 26, 2019 – November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and a time to honor the millions of Americans living with the disease through advocacy for awareness, education, and a cure. Many people think this disease won’t affect them– until it does. Bob and Joyce Myers, 88 and 89 respectively, are residents at Buckner Parkway Place (a faith based senior living community) and have been married for 67 years. They met in a small town near Wichita Falls, Texas and began dating when they were 15 and 16 years old. Bob then served in the Army, and after finishing college, the couple went on to raise two daughters and live the life they always dreamed – until things changed.
Over the span of a few years, the family started to notice Joyce was repeating herself a lot and that normal tasks she was used to doing, like grocery shopping and paying bills, weren’t being done anymore. Last year, Joyce was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Bob tried to care for her the best he could but knew she needed more help than what he was able to provide. He says the disease progressed quickly over the past year, but since moving her to The Harbor, the memory care neighborhood at Buckner Parkway Place, she is doing much better. He says his love for his wife is stronger now than ever before, and to raise awareness he is opening up about the struggles they face and how their lives changed.
“Alzheimer’s Disease is very hard on everyone, but just because she has this disease doesn’t mean I love her any less,” said Bob Myers. “I thought we had the rest of our lives planned out, but God and Alzheimer’s had a different plan. I thought I could take care of her on my own, but it was more difficult than I anticipated. I knew I needed help, so we moved to Houston to be near family, and now Joyce is in memory care at Parkway Place and I live in independent living. I visit her every day and still feel our love. When I see her we still say I love you, and when we walk around we hold hands. It’s so important for people to realize what they have and not take things for granted, because one day your loved one may not remember the same precious memories you do. I wish I knew more before, but the help she is receiving now is top notch, and I know we will get through this together.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly six million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease. The Harbor at Buckner Parkway Place offers seniors with memory impairment the opportunity to live an active life through innovative care in a home-like setting. The Harbor provides residents as much community as possible while maintaining a protected, confusion-free environment. Christi Myers, daughter of Joyce and Bob, says the care her mother has received is a blessing. She says the compassionate care from the doctors, nurses and caregivers helped her mother improve.
“The job they do is truly a gift to me and my family,” said Christi Myers. “We didn’t realize how bad mom was getting until they moved into Buckner Parkway Place. Our mistake was waiting too long. You really never expect it to happen to your family. Mom is the first person in our family to have the disease, so we were shocked. She is far better now than she was before and it’s because of the care she is receiving. She has bad days, but most are good. She remembers her family members, and we put familiar photos and paintings in her apartment. I do my best to go as often as I can to see her, and I know she appreciates the visits from both me and my dad. Understanding the disease is very important. My family and I are better educated on the disease and encourage others to learn more because you really never know if this disease will affect your family.”
“Bob and Joyce have a bond that can’t be broken, and their love story is truly inspiring to many,” said Linda Fitzhugh, director of resident engagement. “We are thankful that the Myers chose Buckner Parkway Place to provide Joyce with the best care possible. Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is difficult for many families. We want to be the support system that families, friends and caregivers can rely on.”