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People who lose a spouse often feel like they have lost a limb. People who have been a caregiver for many years go through a jarring transition when their spouse dies — they essentially lose their job, and sometimes with it their compass, their direction in life. We are warned that following the death of a spouse or loved one, the surviving spouse is at high risk for the next two years of having a major illness or accident.
Joyce talks with her mother, June, who cared for her husband through 68 years of marriage, ending in four years of dementia. At the age of 92 she moved from caregiver to living alone for the first time in her life.
Judy Powell, a professional social worker, joins the conversation. Judy has been June’s friend, confidante, and helper through this time.
We interviewed June in 2008 while she was caring for her husband, Harry. Hear that interview here.
This interview was originally recorded in 2013, three years after Harry’s death from vascular dementia at the age of 92.
