Life can change quickly.
Being prepared makes the difference.
The journey that led Ed Kaplan and his wife Judy to Frank Residences began several years ago. Ed started noticing Judy acting differently and he was worried. After almost 60 years of marriage, they had become accustomed to each other’s unique peculiarities, but as a trained scientist, Ed was keenly aware that something was just not right.
“It started with little things,” he said. “A call from our son in Southern California after we returned home from a visit. Some things were missing — a stuffed animal from one of our grandkids. Some candy. It was just odd behavior. But sure enough, I found them at our home. She must have taken them.”
When Ed started finding things he did not pay for in the grocery bags, he decided it was time to visit their doctor. After the exam, their physician recommended Ed and his wife seek an evaluation from a specialist. The evaluation led to the diagnosis of dementia with the possibility of Alzheimer’s.
By StoryStudio on March 1, 2023
When Ed and Judy first came to Frank Residences, they moved into a spacious two-bedroom unit that would provide ample space for them both and allow Ed to continue to care for her.
“I knew that the day would come when I would need more help — that she would deserve more attention than even I could give,” said Ed. “One of the amazing things about Frank Residences is that if you or your loved one need Memory Care, it’s right here in the building. And I won’t lie to you and tell you that it was an easy decision to move Judy to Memory Care, but it was the right decision, and I am so glad I am right here with her every day.”
Learn more about Ed and Judy’s journey on the After the Weather podcast with Spencer Christian.
“As a caregiver, we need to remember that we are not doing anyone any favors if we are not also caring for ourselves.”
“I just always felt that no one could care for her the way I did. The fact is that was the wrong way to look at it.”
“It was earth-shattering news,” said Ed. “We both had some experience with this as my mother-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but I really had no experience caring for someone with this diagnosis and had no idea where to turn.”
Ed’s searching led him to the local Alzheimer’s Association Chapter.
“I had to learn to be a caregiver. I had to learn to do the shopping,” said Ed. “And it was a steep learning curve for me, especially at my age.”
Many caregivers have a similar experience when their loved one or family members are first diagnosed. But the impacts on those who provide the care are often overlooked, and at what point the caregiver should start looking for additional help.
“I just always felt that no one could care for her the way I did,” said Ed. “The fact is that was the wrong way to look at it.”
“I wish we had made this decision sooner,” said Ed Kaplan, resident at Frank Residencies in San Francisco. For families and caregivers managing care for a loved one with memory loss, making the decision to seek help is often coupled with fear or guilt. But it doesn’t have to be.
“Securing the best care and living environment for a loved one shouldn’t add to your stress,” said Staci Chang, the Chief Marketing and Business Strategy Officer of San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living (SFCJL). “Seeking help now is often the right answer for you and for them.”
Memory Care at Frank Residences, located on the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living, has been carefully designed to exceed the expectations of its residents and their loved ones. From studios with private baths to programs designed to promote participation and social engagement, Frank Residences has set a new standard of care for older adults with memory loss.
-Ed Kaplan, Resident
Frank Residences Announces Its Phase II Memory Care Is Now Ready for Move-In
READ MORE
Senior Living at Frank Residences: 150 Years in
the Making
READ MORE
Related Articles
-Ed Kaplan, Resident
The desire to be the one to care for a loved one and the guilt of seeking help is all too common. But when taking into consideration the wellbeing of the caregiver and their loved one, a memory care community is often the best choice.
“As a caregiver, we need to remember that we are not doing anyone any favors if we are not also caring for ourselves,” said Ed. “For me, I knew when I needed help. I had a lot of support — my family, the staff here at Frank Residences. We all worked together to make this decision. I’m not saying it was easy, but it was right, and Judy is happy. And that’s what it all comes down to.”
Learn more about Memory Care and Assisted Living at Frank Residences, by visiting the website, sending an email or calling 415-562-2020 today.
SPONSORED BY FRANK RESIDENCES