This page is dedicated to the memory of my mother,
Pearl Thompson Olive.
My mother, Pearl Olive, passed away on October 17, 2007. She had Alzheimer’s for 12 years. It was a long journey, to see my loved one slipping each day of her life. In the end, it was hard to see the mother that sacrificed for me and always gave unconditional love to fall victim to this dreadful disease. Let me add this; the Lord is in control of all things. She still gave a little kiss when you leaned over and told her that you loved her.
In 2007, it is estimated that more than 4.5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease, with an estimated 150,000 of those in North Carolina. One out of eight people age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s. It is the fifth leading cause of death for older adults. It is also estimated that 100,000 Americans will loose their lives this year, many of those being among our most brilliant and talented individuals. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, they have predicted that 16 million Americans will have it by the year 2050. From experience, neither Medicare nor most private health insurance covers the long term care and support for this disease.
According to the Governor’s proclamation, more than one in two adults in North Carolina are caring for someone with a memory disorder, and more than one in four are caring for a person over 60. There is now a safe haven where caregivers can turn to in Johnston County. A special thanks to Kathy Greenwood who oversees a support group that meets the third Thursday of each month at the First Baptist Church in Smithfield. I have stated in a previous news article that one caregiver said that she was forgotten. Thanks to the Johnston County Council on Aging caregivers are not forgotten anymore. It was a long journey with my mother, but like the song title said, “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world”, and do you know why? She was my mother! If you are caring for a love one of any type of illness and need support, I would encourage you to visit the caregiver’s support group meeting. You are not alone in this journey. I still look after my brother who is slow.
It is my hope that someday researchers will find a cure for Alzheimer’s and other related memory disorders.
Best regards, I am
Craig Olive
919 333 0683
*Anyone who is looking after a love one is call a caregiver. Our local Council of Aging sponsors support groups. Please contact Kathy Greenwood at 919 934 6066 for information.
