By Chris Caraveo
Twitter: @ChrisCaraveo31

Lisa and Larry Ingraham road tripped from Goodyear to Washington state in the summer of 2011, stopping for lunch at an oceanside restaurant.

After a meal, they strolled a boardwalk and talked about which businesses in the area appeared to have survived the economic downturn of recent years.

One of Mr. Ingraham’s remarks was one of the first signs Ms. Ingraham saw in her husband that led her to believe he may have Alzheimer’s.

“He said, ‘That restaurant seems to be doing well,’” Ms. Ingraham told the Daily News-Sun. “I said, ‘That’s where we had lunch.’”

Now 2019, Ms. Ingraham has been a one-woman army as her husband’s caregiver as he continues living with Alzheimer’s.

A national study released in November by AARP showed caregivers feel more lonely and isolated than others without those responsibilities. The study also found caregivers are more likely to forego medical procedures because they don’t feel they can take the time for themselves.

Prior to her husband’s diagnosis, the couple enjoyed traveling, which they still do from time to time, with a condo in Rocky Point.

Ms. Ingraham plays golf and pickleball, is part of a book club, and used to dab into art frequently. However, her role as a caregiver has seen her art days end. The other activities she does on a limited basis.

“I only pretty much leave the house if he’s golfing,” which Ms. Ingraham said is a hobby her husband continues playing with friends. “The neurologist says the best things to do for Alzheimer’s is activity or exercise and social interaction. “And that (golf) takes care of both.”

Mr. Ingraham plays golf about three days each week, giving his wife about five hours to do what she needs before helping her husband with daily activities.

They usually eat in unless they go out with others. Mr. Ingraham occasionally fixes his own breakfast, sticking to the same items, while his wife cooks lunch and dinner.

He also plays solitaire on his iPad, and reads the newspaper or a book.

As mentioned above, Ms. Ingraham takes care of her husband by herself. They have no children, and no family in the area. Mr. Ingraham has a 93-year-old sibling in New York while his wife has half-siblings in various states.

“I don’t really need help right now,” Ms. Ingraham said, although she added she is in several support groups and has long-term care insurance when it gets to the point of needing assistance.

Banner Health is hosting a free seminar in Sun City to provide strategies for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia to learn how to add balance to their daily lives. Experts from Banner Sun Health Research Institute will discuss techniques and tips to help reduce stress for family and friends who are caregivers.

The institute, together with its Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium partners, has been designated by the National Institutes of Health as one of just 29 Alzheimer’s Disease Centers in the nation.

Respite care will be provided at no charge so caregivers can attend the seminar.

The Exhale and Stay Me seminar is 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Jan. 11 at Grace Bible Church, 19280 N. 99th Ave. Visit StayMe.Eventbrite.com for reservations.

While Ms. Ingraham said she will be in Rocky Point that day, she offered a wealth of knowledge for current and prospective caregivers.

“First and foremost, get all your legal paperwork in order,” she said, which includes having a loved one designate a power of attorney and a mental health power of attorney while they are still able to sign.

Mr. Ingraham had always been his wife’s POA until his Alzheimer’s set in. Now, Ms. Ingraham has a best friend as her first power of attorney and then a fiduciary company as a backup.

She also recommends people become educated about how to deal with someone with Alzheimer’s, to have an idea of what might be coming down the line.

That includes behaviors, and how to handle and talk with a person with Alzheimer’s.

Mr. Ingraham doesn’t address his Alzheimer’s very much, his wife said.

“He will admit that it (memory) is not very good, that’s about all,” Ms. Ingraham said. “He’s a very pleasant, positive, happy person.”

Through it all, Ms. Ingraham said her husband is what keeps her moving.

“I live by a creed of do unto others, how would I want him to treat me if this was me,” Ms. Ingraham said. “I just decided years ago I was going to make his life as joyful and full and pleasant for however many years I have left with him.

“I never imagined I would get seven.”

Contact Daily News-Sun reporter Chris Caraveo at 623-876-2531 or ccaraveo@newszap.com.