Author Shares Ordeal of Being an Alzheimer’s Caregiver

In her new book, “A Walk in the Dark,” C.L LaBuda of Niles describes the strain and mental trauma of being a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.

But in sharing her thoughts and experiences, she also provides strength to readers who may be going through the same ordeal.

The book (Dorrance Publishing, 214 pages) is presented as LaBuda wrote it – a daily journal. It starts in summer 2015 and progresses well beyond her father’s death.

She will sign and sell copies of her book ($25, cash only) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Cadence Coffeehouse and Creperie, 31 N. Main St., Niles. The book can also be purchased at DorrancePublishing.com.

“I was traumatized, emotionally, mentally and spiritually by this event because I didn’t know a thing about it and how to care for him,” LaBuda said. “I was knee deep in grief and thought I was losing my mind.”

It’s important to have a support system, she said. LaBuda became involved with the Alzheimer’s Network of Youngstown.

The author’s ordeal began when her mother died in 2010.

“In her last breath, my dad looked at me and [said], ‘What just happened?’ At that point I realized something was amiss,” she said. “His grieving didn’t seem normal to me.”

The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s came three months after her mother’s death. Her father was admitted to hospice in 2015.

“The book describes what it’s like being a caregiver and the questions that go through your mind,” LaBuda said. “There is an enormous amount of denial in the beginning. But that’s when you need to get your ducks in a row.”

She documents the mental strain, anger and isolation, explaining, “I really don’t think people understand the caregiver process. You’re living for two people.”

LaBuda found herself in therapy after her father’s death. Journaling, she said, helped her stay sane.

“I couldn’t believe I was the only one in the world to go through this – watching your loved one melt before your eyes,” she said. “There is no cure, and minimal medication to slow it or control it.”

It is LaBuda’s hope that her book makes other caregivers’ lives easier.

“They come into support group meetings trembling,” she said. “[The book] tells them what to expect.”

She describes what her father’s life was like before Alzheimer’s – and after.

“It’s not the real him, but I was the target every day,” she said. “But at the same time, it was the most beautiful time of my life with my father, and he couldn’t talk. There’s a lot of love in there.”

Pictured at top: C.L. LaBuda and the jacket of her book.

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