Geri’s story: Devoted caregiver and advocate

Geri’s husband Peter was one of the youngest Canadians to command a landing craft on D-Day.  Even after retiring from the navy, Peter loved to spend time on the water. But it was on the water that Geri first realized something was wrong.

One day while in the middle of the ocean, Peter couldn’t find a stationary piece of equipment that he’d used for years. As Geri was the Executive Director of B.C.’s Office for Seniors, she knew his confusion could be a warning sign of dementia. She also knew where to start: the Alzheimer Society. Peter joined a support group for people affected by dementia and Geri found support with other caregivers.

Ten years after the first sign, a fall resulted in the need for Peter to move into a care home. The transition proved to be difficult, but Geri recognizes how much harder it would be now because of the pandemic. “I don’t know what we would have done — not being able to see each other,” Geri says. Since Peter’s death in 2008, Geri has become a fierce advocate for people living with dementia  and their caregivers — speaking out about the importance of compassionate and appropriate care.

Geri and Peter connected to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. For support services in your area, visit alzheimer.ca/find