Meet Beverley Powell - Our Alzheimers and Dementia Caregiver Expert

At 46 years of age, I find myself happily married with three children, a marriage that has spanned twenty-three years. My home is a bustling one, shared with my husband, my mother-in-law Joyce, and our eighteen-year-old daughter. Not to forget, we also have the joy of the company of three cats and two dogs.

My roots trace back to Spartanburg, South Carolina, where I was born and raised. My faith plays an integral role in my life as a dedicated caregiver. I proudly identify as a member of the Pentecostal faith, which has guided me through nearly two years of caregiving.

In December of 2013, our family encountered a profound loss when we discovered my father-in-law had passed away on his sofa. At the time, my mother-in-law was misdiagnosed with a mental illness and adamantly refused medication. She was grappling with delusions and hallucinations, utterly unaware of the tragedy that had unfolded. Without hesitation, I stepped into the role of her primary caregiver.

It was in January of 2014 that she received a diagnosis of late-stage Alzheimer's Dementia. In our quest for a suitable living arrangement, she moved into our home. Since then, I've made it my mission to be constantly by her side, attending to her as she navigates through her daily routines, engages with her cherished doll, and faces the challenging progression of her condition. Each day, I offer up prayers for her well-being.

Prior to taking on the role of a caregiver, I had embarked on a new venture in the event staffing industry, a field I had been a supervisor in for over a decade. Even earlier in life, my primary focus was on nurturing and raising my three wonderful children, including one incredibly special grandson. I am truly blessed with a hardworking husband who loves me deeply and has always supported my endeavors. It was my heartfelt decision not to place his mother in a nursing home but to ensure that her final years are as filled with love and care as possible—a commitment that I continue to uphold.

So, in a nutshell, that's a glimpse into my life and my journey as a caregiver.