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A mother, father in a wheelchair and daughter look at the camera and smile

Caring for Tish at Home with Easterseals

Emory and Otisia “Tish” did not know in 1982 when they said those words “in sickness and in health” that sickness would come sooner than they thought. Though caregiving for Tish, who had her first stroke at 45, has not come without trials, it is Emory’s great attitude, support from family, and a team of caring professionals at an Easterseals Adult Day program, that has really made a huge impact in how they continue to live their lives.

Emory

Love is not just words said on your wedding day, but how one lives those words out each day. Love is shown in health, but especially in sickness. Emory and Otisia “Tish” did not know 37 years ago when they said those words “in sickness and in health” that sickness would come sooner than they thought. Though caregiving for Tish, who had her first stroke at 45, has not come without trials, it is Emory’s great attitude, support from family and a team of caring professionals at an Easterseals Adult Day program, that has really made a huge impact in how they continue to live their lives.

“I don’t think I knew what love was until Tish got sick. I had no idea I could handle it. I have to help her with everything,” Emory says. “Easterseals has been a lifesaver. The staff takes great care of her. I know it’s their job but they don’t treat it like a job. You can see they really care. I am so overwhelmingly grateful. She is well taken care of and safe. I know all of her needs will be addressed.”

Three people are looking at the camera. The woman in the middle is in a wheelchair. The man on the left is her husband wearing a baseball cap and her daughter is on the left. Everyone is wearing coats and they are positioned outdoors in winter.

 

Easterseals adult day services enable Emory to continue to care for Tish at home. It gives him the break he needs to re-energize, take care of his needs, and run errands. Tish attends the program five days a week and enjoys painting, ball toss and parachute exercises. She also enjoys the camaraderie felt amongst the participants and staff in the program.

“As long as I can take care of her, I will take care of her here at home and thanks to Easterseals I can do that. Our life is not stress-free but it is peaceful," says Emory. "While she is at Easterseals I don’t have to be on guard. I can relax, take a nap to catch up on sleep, go shopping or make dinner. I know Easterseals is great for her and truly great for me.”

A great attitude goes a long way and that is what Emory has. He has a saying he uses often, “If that’s the worst thing that is going to happen today, it is going to be a great day.”

Emory's Caregiver Story

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