83-year old Tillie Roberts has always led an active life — playing golf, running a floral business, spending time with family — and that’s what’s made her illness especially hard.

“It was very difficult to be in a position to have to tell my mother she can’t do certain things,” said Randy Roberts, Tillie’s son.

Last October, sheriff’s deputies brought Tillie to the hospital after they found her driving in circles around a grocery parking lot. She couldn’t explain what was wrong.

“My mom basically can’t speak in a coherent manner and has an inability to process words, so communication becomes very difficult.”

It’s a condition called aphasia, a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Son Randy, and daughter Karolyn instantly put their lives on hold.

“It was basically — we should be taking care of her, we should be here 24 hours a day, it doesn’t really matter how much of our life we have to give up,” said Randy.

But that couldn’t last, the stresses of round-the-clock care became too much. That’s where Alzheimer’s Community Care helped restore balance to their lives.

Tillie joined an adult daycare program — a group of Alzheimer’s patients who read the paper and exercise together, sharing stories and a full day of activities.

“That allows us to break down some of the isolation and the depression that strips them of their dignity,” said Ron Radcliffe, vice-president of specialized day services for Alzheimer’s Community Care.

Randy says for his part “it has been an absolute lifesaver” — allowing him to work, keep up his home, and even take time for himself.

“No one person can manage this disease alone,” said Radcliffe. “The caregiver’s health is just as important as the patient’s health.”

Randy says at first he felt guilty about leaving his mother for a few hours, but now he realizes it was the best decision for both of them.

“To basically have a little bit of happiness as she progresses through this disease,” he said.

Alzheimer’s Community Care serves Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. It charges $55 per day for the adult daycare program, but Radcliffe says only about a third of his patients pay the full amount. He says there are discounts available based on need. (source)