The world was recently struck by the heartbreaking news of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, both of whom passed away in their home just days apart. Gene, the legendary actor, had been living with advanced Alzheimer’s disease, and Betsy, an esteemed classical pianist, had been his devoted caregiver throughout his illness. Investigations have led officials to believe that Betsy had passed away suddenly from a rare viral infection and that, in the days leading up to his death from a cardiovascular episode, Gene might not have known or understood that he was alone due to his dementia, despite remaining in the home with Betsy.

The passing of this beloved couple brings both heartbreak to a nation and a sharp focus into the profound challenges that families face when caring for loved ones with chronic health conditions – including the dire reality of needing a village to stand with should something unfortunate come to pass.

Caregiver’s Biggest Fear: What Will Happen to My Loved One?

For caregivers, there is an undeniable uncertainty that looms heavy in their minds: What will happen to my loved one if something happens to me? It’s a question that weighs heavily on the hearts of those who provide constant care. The fear of being unable to care for a loved one in times of illness or crisis is a reality many caregivers face, often in silence.

The Story of Gene Hackman & Betsy Arakawa Shines Light on the Importance of Respite for Caregivers

The question arises: Why should a caregiver take advantage of respite opportunities? The answer is simple: for their own health and well-being. By taking time for themselves, caregivers can restore their energy, manage stress, and prioritize their own needs— all so they can be more present and efficient in their care. Additionally, respite gives caregivers the chance to connect with others, discover support resources, and explore strategies that make caregiving easier, especially in the face of the unknown. If something were to happen to the caregiver, having support systems and backup plans in place could prove crucial for everyone involved.

Oakwood Creative Care Could Be a Lifeline for Caregivers

Oakwood Creative Care’s The Dementia Hub in Mesa, Arizona was established as a lifeline for caregivers of loved ones living with dementia or other forms of memory loss, housing a number of invaluable (and often free!) services designed to alleviate some of the burdens and uncertainties. With weekly community-based events led by medical professionals and Memory Cafés that offer both Caregiver Support Groups and engagement activities for older adults with memory loss, Oakwood provides families the chance to connect with others walking the same path and gain essential resources.

Oakwood recognizes that the #1 goal for many caregivers is to be in a position where their loved ones can remain in the comfort of their home versus an institutional setting. That is why The Dementia Hub houses evidence-based Dementia Coaching sessions through COPE, a program that provides caregivers with personalized guidance to support their loved ones within their home environments. Additionally, Oakwood is pleased to offer the GUIDE program (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience), developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which works to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with dementia, reduce caregiver strain, and help families keep their loved ones at home for as long as possible.

The sheer responsibility of caregiving can feel overwhelming. Still, Oakwood keeps these services in place to ensure that all families have access to essential tools crafted specifically for navigating the challenges of dementia care and finding joy in the journey post-diagnosis.

A Testimony From a Caregiver in Need of More Support

One family’s story perfectly exemplifies the impact Oakwood Creative Care can have while highlighting the importance of building a community to stand in your corner:

“A woman came to our Memory Café feeling very distraught and unsure of where to turn after a recent family crisis. Her aunt and uncle, who lived in another state, were found driving on the wrong side of the freeway. Thankfully, they were safe, but she knew something must be done. With no one else in the family able to step up, this woman made the difficult decision to bring her aunt and uncle into her home. Yet, when it came time to provide care, she realized she was not prepared for the immense responsibility.

Since connecting with Oakwood Creative Care, she has made strides to ensure the well-being of her aunt and uncle. Both now attend an Oakwood Creative Care Day Club twice a week, and she has gone through the COPE program with The Dementia Hub to better equip herself to care for them. Presently, Oakwood is working with her to align her aunt and uncle with the CMS GUIDE model to further reduce the strain of caregiving while enhancing the whole family’s quality of life. Though challenges still arise, this family now feels supported, confident, and better prepared to navigate the difficulties of dementia care.”

As caregivers face their most challenging moments, Oakwood Creative Care wants to remind them that they are not alone. No burden needs to be shouldered alone, especially with an available network of support, resources, and hope for families facing the trials of caregiving and memory loss. For fifty years, Oakwood Creative Care has offered caregivers the support they need to continue their journey with compassion, strength, and confidence, and looks forward to many more years of creating respite, community, and access to helpful resources that can make all the difference.

Did You Know?

Oakwood Creative Care is bringing back the JOY in aging! We believe a diagnosis should not have to define your life. Instead, we have devoted our mission to reigniting hope for caregivers and older adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other age-related challenges. Click the button below to learn more about how we do this through our research-based, cutting-edge, creative care model found at each of our Day Clubs.