The Emotional Journey of Alzheimer’s

Do you have a loved on who is suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia? Were they recently diagnosed or have they been maneuvering this disease for years now? Do you ever feel alone in the grieving, caregiving, and supporting role of the process? If so, we recommend you watch the documentary series ‘Hopeless: The Alzheimer’s Project’ created by HBO in 2009.

The documentary series ‘Hopeless: The Alzheimer’s Project’ is a 5 part series that unpacks all of the difficult steps and emotions that go along with having a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. The series is available on Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max streaming services. Each episode is devoted to a different struggle or misconception of the disease. Every episode provides real life insight through interviews with doctors, patients, and families into what it is like for both the individual and their family as they maneuver the Alzheimer’s disease. The series is emotional, educational, and insightful; but, every bit worth it if you are going through this personally or know someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Episode One: The Memory Loss Tapes

This episode explores the difficulties associated with the early stages of the disease. When your loved one is just starting to forget things but is still a high functioning individual. This is the state in which they start to lose their sense of independence and freedom as everyday tasks become more difficult. It is at this stage that finding assisted living becomes important, and where many of our ‘Memory Care’ residents are when they enter the Hampton Manor community.

This can be one of the hardest stages of Alzheimer’s and the documentary does a beautiful job of documenting what it is like for the individual and their loved ones.

Episode 2: Grandpa, Do you know who I am?

The second episode of this docu-series features Maria Schriver as HBO takes a unique look at the experience of children whom grandparents have Alzheimers. This is a lovely way to introduce your children to the disease and show them that they are not alone in their experiences.

This is an extremely emotional episode, but a beautiful look at family bonds. We know that many of our Hampton Manor families can relate to these exact experiences, whether their loved one resides in our ‘Memory Care’ facilities or not!

Episode 3 & 4: Momentum in Science

These 2 episodes take a deep dive into the science of Alzheimer’s. It helps provide the public with a better understanding of what is happening to individuals diagnosed with the disease and how it may manifest itself in the coming months/years.

In addition, it also addresses the science that is being developed to combat the disease. However, keep in mind that this documentary was released in 2009 and a lot has changed in the last 11 years! The medical field is constantly searching for a cure for this degenerative disease, and has made great strides in stopping or slowing its progression. Unfortunately, there is not a cure yet; but, we are hopeful!

Episode 5: Caregivers

The fifth and final episode of this docu-series is the one that really hit home for the Hampton Manor community- and it is all about caregivers! This episode dissects the sacrifices and successes of caregivers as they watch their loved one disappear into dementia. Warning, this is another emotional episode as Alzheimer’s and Dementia are not pretty diseases. But, we know that this is a struggle most of our community has had to endure. It is important to know that you are not alone.

We hope viewing this documentary series may provide some insight and peace of mind into the journey that you and your loved one are on!

It is with great pride that Hampton Manor has 2 facilities dedicated specifically to ‘Memory Care’ namely, Hampton Manor Ocala and Hampton Manor Belleview, to make this time in an individuals life as prosperous as possible.

Hampton Manor stands with you as fight Alzheimer’s and we fight to end Alzheimer’s!