Jo from California

My partner, Bruce and I take care of his 96 year old WWII purple heart veteran, Dez Tenke. His wife passed in 2012, we moved in with him and maintained a normal family lifestyle. They were married 65 years... so many good memories and stories he tells. Mostly about his years in the service. Regimental bugler, he still plays the bugle today. He has some dementia, but is highly functioning. He just needs directions on what to do, like go to the kitchen. He loves snacks, I believe to him, cake and cookies are a food group! LOL. He does this thing he always says "help me help me, can anyone help me?" he doesn't need anything, he just keeps repeating it, even in his sleep. Or when he sees me or Bruce, help me, we ask what do you need? He says "I just wanted to say hi" or I was talking to my god". A lot of repetition. But he's healthy and happy and very thankful, he thanks us for everything all the time, even when we're not doing anything. So we've been here for 5 years. His sister has not stayed one night here. Same old story same old song and dance......

I got him set up with the VA. he is very well taken care of. They are going to put him up at the VA for a Respite for 2 weeks in October. They have an Adult Day care program there that is wonderful! He will be able to join them for morning activities, tell all his war stories! He says he's going to live to 125!

He also told me "I hope you have someone so nice like you to take care of you when you get my age". What a blessing!