Page 61 - Lubbock Senior Link Magazine Fall 2019- Online Magazine

KorEaN war

wasn’t hard on me. I had always taken care of others. 13-month bereavement period army
Caregiving can be exhausting, but it was never hard that inevitably follows the
for me.” uncurable disease. (Del is so
willing to help anyone affected
After Chloe’s death, Del continued living a full life. He by Alzheimer’s, especially care-givers, that he asked
has met his coffee buddies, Don McInturff and Chock for his phone number to be published.
Hutchison, weekly for 63 years. He also regularly 806-799-4512)
meets with a group of seasoned attorneys and veterans
including Bill Shaver, Madison Sowder, Dan Hurley, His mother would be proud.
and Forrest Bowers. The staunch Democrat has
always tried to help those in need. One admonition
Del Wells firmly believes is that we should “trust the WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’S
US Constitution and our system of government.”
He was grateful to go on the 2015 Honor Flight and
says it was one of the best-planned events he has ever Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia
encountered. symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years.
In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-
Del calls his mother his role model. “She taught stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to carry
me how to put myself in other people’s shoes.” on a conversation and respond to their environment.
His favorite way to do that is volunteering with Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in
hospice organizations. He cares for about 12 patients the United States. The Alzheimer’s Association in
at a time and contacts each of them at least once a Lubbock works hard to educate, advocate, and care
week. Because of his long personal experience with for victims and their families. The upcoming Walk to
Alzheimer’s, he specifically asks for families who End Alzheimer’s on Oct. 26, 2019 is one of their three
are dealing with the disease. He has walked many of annual fund-raisers.
them through every stage of the illness including the

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