At age 82, Ken has already lived a rich life full of travel, work and family. But, in January 2009, Ken was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and his family had to cope with knowing that aspects of the man they knew were slipping away.
Born in Bombay, India, Ken has lived an eventful life. He played soccer and field hockey at a competitive level, then met the love of his life, Connie, and they married and had four children. Ken and his family immigrated to Canada in 1967 where he worked in the manufacturing industry for most of his professional career as a mechanical engineer finally retiring in 1990.
To meet Ken, you would immediately be drawn to his sense of humour. A huge family man, Ken adores his grandchildren. His enthusiasm for sports, especially soccer and the Hamilton Ti-cats, was contagious and he took pleasure from coaching youth soccer. His family say he loves singing and has a pretty good voice and even participated in a Senior choir.
In the past few years, Ken and his family began noticing changes in his memory and behaviour. Alzheimer’s will eventually affect all aspects of a person’s life including how they think, feel, act and react. Often they even stop recognizing individuals and circumstances of their own personal life. In the fall of 2010, Ken’s family found that he needed the specialized care provided at St. Peter’s.
The Alexander Pavilion at St. Peter’s Hospital provides compassionate care that meets the needs of individuals like Ken with effective behavioural health and rehabilitation services.
Ken’s daughter Penny feels the staff at St. Peter’s has made Ken very comfortable and has noticed a positive change in his behaviour since being admitted. “They provide a nuturing environment which has helped the anxiety he experienced being away from his wife and family. I find that the level of care is outstanding, and it has made, not only his transition, but our family’s acceptance of his diagnosis and reassurance of his well being, so much easier.”
Every day, Ken’s health care providers have stories to share with Penny, who also works at St. Peter’s, about her dad’s escapades. “He is a pretty funny guy and loves to interact with the ladies,” says Penny. “I do notice that the staff always support the patients, never correcting them on their conversations, but providing an avenue of dialogue which allows the patients some sense of normalcy. This is so important for patients who are already feeling the effects of the diminished memory and a sense of loss.”
Health care providers at St. Peter’s can offer a level of care to patients like Ken which gives them a better quality of life.
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