In 1993, Jeffrey, a 67-year-old healthy retired plant supervisor living in New Jersey, noticed he had difficulty with walking, balance, fatigue and some memory impairment. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Jeffrey, married with two children, was able to remain active for ten years, volunteering within his church and community. Throughout this time Jeffrey’s tremors, muscle stiffness, poor balance, rigid walking and short-term memory impairment increased. He was eventually unable to perform his volunteer duties. Jeffrey’s wife Laura became his primary caregiving. 

Five years ago their son Elliot insisted they moved to an apartment in the Brookfield area to be closer. Elliot wanted to help his mother with his dad’s care, as Jeffrey was now wheelchair bound. Since moving to Brookfield, Laura and Jeffrey had not had the opportunity to meet a lot of friends. Jeffrey’s decline in health kept both of them homebound; however both miss the interaction with others. Laura heard about the Best of Friends through a church member. In May of 2007, Laura enrolled Jeffrey in the club. Jeffrey needed to be socially active with his peers. 

Laura feels this program gives him a sense of worth. Jeffrey adapted extremely well to the social group and considers the staff, volunteers and other participants his friends. He loves the activities, especially the cognitive competitive games. While Jeffrey is attending the Best of Friends Club twice a week, Laura has time to take an exercise and line dancing class at a nearby Community Center. 

Laura worries about what the future will hold for them. At times she feels overwhelmed and highly stressed with all the responsibility as a caregiver. Elliot is helpful, but has his own family and life. Laura attends the Dementia Specific Caregiver Support Group that meets once a month, where she can share her feelings of caregiving and receive updated information about the disease and available community resources.