Being a Caregiver for Gladys
After I retired in 2017, we sold our dream house in Milford and moved to Spring Lake, Michigan (near Grand Haven on the West side of Michigan) to be caregivers for Claudia’s mother Gladys who was 86 years old and homebound. She lived by herself in a condo but didn’t drive anymore and needed our help with buying groceries, preparing meals, taking medicine, doing laundry, cleaning, pet care, condo maintenance and transportation to doctor, dentist, hair, vet and dog grooming appointments. We live about four miles from her and went to her place often in the last four years, every day for 17 months spending a few hours there to make her dinner, make sure she took her pills, do the dishes, take the dog for a walk, feed the dog, clean the house and other chores that needed to be done. In July, Gladys fell twice in a two-week period and had a mild stroke. We found her on the ramp in her garage the first time and on the floor of her bedroom the second time. It was recommended by her hospice nurses and aides that for her own safety, she should not be living alone and should be moved to a hospice facility with 24 hour nurse care. So on July 22, 2021, she was moved to the hospice wing of Heartwood Lodge in Spring Lake. One of the hospice aides took the dog…a good home full of dog lovers. We visited Gladys usually every day and brought her treats and did her laundry. On August 13, she celebrated her 90th birthday surrounded by her three children (Claudia, Mark and Jason) and their spouses (me, Annie and Laura). Her rapid decline kicked in that weekend and on Monday, August 16th, Gladys passed away in her sleep. A graveside burial service was done September 11 at the Benona Township Cemetery near Shelby MI. Rest in Peace G-Dog!
With Gladys B. Bogard in a rehab center while she was recovering from shoulder surgery.
My son Adam conducting the burial service for Gladys at the Benona Township Cemetery on September 11, 2021.
My daughter-in-law Rev. Dr. Sarah Bogue doing readings during the burial service.
My brother-in-law Jason Bogard delivers the eulogy.
Family attending the luncheon at Cellar 36 restaurant in Stony Lake which followed the burial service.
Gravestone at cemetery.