(Chelsea Update would like to thank Samantha West for the information in this story.)
Sharon Martinsky knows what it’s like to care for someone with Alzheimer’s. After losing both her dad and stepmom only five weeks apart to the disease, she understands the caregiver’s journey as a difficult and deeply personal one.
“Having two of them presented so many challenges,” says Martinsky, who now works for Caring Transitions, a company that helps seniors downsize from homes to apartments, condos or assisted living facilities. “It was like I went through training. I had all this information now that I’d gone through it, and I wanted to use it to help others. It seemed like a waste to have that and not do anything with it,” she says.
Martinsky’s newfound experience inspired her to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association, making follow-up calls to those who call the Association’s free 24/7 Helpline. When asked if it’s difficult for her to provide advice on topics that are so close to home, Martinsky says she’s grateful to be in a position to provide care and support. “It often takes people a while to understand that I’ve been through it too,” says Martinsky. “It helps that I truly do understand. All of the feelings – I understand. Whether you’re mad, sad, guilty – all of those are totally OK and you should give yourself permission to feel them.”
Over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 180,000 in Michigan. Last year, over 500,000 caregivers in Michigan provided a staggering 578 million hours of unpaid care. Many caregivers rate the stress of caregiving as high or very high, resulting in higher health costs.
“If I could give a piece of advice to other caregivers, it would be to reach out for help, whether it’s to your doctor, the Alzheimer’s Association, or even family and friends” says Martinsky. “I had known about the Association, but I waited until it was too late. I should’ve gotten more help along the way.”
Martinsky is also giving back by participating in the 5 Healthy Towns Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will take place in downtown Chelsea on Sept. 26. “After losing them both, I wanted to honor their memory by walking.”
To participate in the Five Healthy Towns Walk to End Alzheimer’s, or to learn more about how to get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, visit the Michigan Great Lakes Chapter click here or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
About the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s – the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
