Alzheimer’s caregivers volunteer to help loves ones in need

Carolluzzi says it wasn't until after her mom - Karen Cordner - was having trouble performing her duties at work that the Alzheimer's diagnosis came down. Once diagnosed, Amanda and her husband Anthony added an in-law apartment to their Sandy Hook home and Karen moved in, all the while with a wedding in the works.

News 12 Staff

May 4, 2022, 12:30 AM

Updated 864 days ago

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In Connecticut, there’s 80,000 people who are living with Alzheimer’s disease and twice the number of caregivers. But one newlywed couple says they see it as love for having to volunteer their time to help.
"Before I go to work in the morning, I'm helping her in the shower and getting dressed, leaving a snack for her to eat, leaving a lunch for her to eat,” Amanda Carolluzzi told News 12.
Carolluzzi says it wasn't until after her mom - Karen Cordner - was having trouble performing her duties at work that the Alzheimer's diagnosis came down. Once diagnosed, Amanda and her husband Anthony added an in-law apartment to their Sandy Hook home and Karen moved in, all the while with a wedding in the works.
"We are so much more aware of - oh, goodness, you know, it was hard for her to use the shampoo today, and tomorrow she might have more trouble brushing her teeth,” she added.
Caroluzzi believes the disease can be harder on the caregivers than it is on the patient, but that it's important to keep spending time with the people that you care about and taking care of them no matter what.
“I think love is,” said Carolluzzi.
Carolluzzi also volunteers with the Alzheimer's Association, as part of their Walk Committee.