Analysis Of Do I Know You By Bette Ann Maskowitz - 1111 Words

Doubt, concern, anger, pain, hopelessness. Words to describe the ageing process; which starts at birth and does not end until death. In the memoir â€Å"Do I Know You† by Bette Ann Maskowitz, creates an unforgettable portrait of an ordinary woman at the end of her life. A touching account of the author`s and her sister`s attempt to aid and assist their mother as she grows older and must cope with her declining health. The memoir went exactly how I thought it would be. Bette Ann Markowitz’s situation of taking care of a parent who has Alzheimer is very common; having an aging parent who can no longer fend for themselves. Markowitz is not an only child so she had to constantly consult her sibling on â€Å"what is the best option† (Moskowitz41),†¦show more content†¦What are you talking about, hospital? She thinks all the women in white are from her manicure salon. She calls me, screaming, Call the police, help me, call the police, because she is being held against her will and I am the only one who can save her† (36). Mary`s memory started to diminish. Visualize waking up one day and completely forgetting where you are or how you got there. Forgetfulness is a sign and effect of Alzheimer disease. â€Å"When I find her on boardwalk, moments later, unperturbed, wearing a hat, she isn`t clear about whether she went to meet me or forgot that I was coming, and when I press her she says, Oh, well, I forgot about it now, here we are† (22). â€Å"Alzheimer`s disease is called a family disease† (ALZlive), because it impacts every family member who is slowly watching a loved one decline. Alzheimer’s disease has an impact on caretakers because caregivers can lead to a variety of emotions, from guilt to anger. When dealing with a client who has Alzheimer; caretakers have a huge responsibility, which can cause stress or depression. If the caretaking is a family member it might lead to finical problems, which can lead to the hard and controversial decision of putting someone in a nursing home, that is better equipped. Guilt is the main emotion that a caretaker can express â€Å"I have never spoken to my mother`s doctor, it occurs to me that other children of