Leonard

Full Biography

I was married to his my wife, Phuong, for 33 years. The love of my life. Shockingly Phuong was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 10 years ago. I became a caregiver for my wife. We actively utilized medications, various care methods, and a combination of occupational and speech therapy techniques to slow down Phuong’s progression and improve quality of life for both of us. I read books and attended care classes to better cope with the situation. We both utilized services at Leeza’s Care Connection and Alzheimer’s Los Angeles for support and socialization. Phuong, although needing lots of help with activities of daily living, was very healthy and still asking questions, eating normally, walking just fine and able to interact with the care assistants. Sadly, and unexpectedly Phuong passed away in 2024 from a massive stroke. Phuong had “contented involvement” (a term from the Alzheimer’s L. A. Savy Care Giver class meaning she was calm and involved) and was happy. Phuong was always a kind loving and helpful women and I can hear her asking me to become a HUGS partner. My care giving experience was an absolute nightmare – although it was full of lots of anxiety, panic and stress it was also full of incredible intimacy, love and closeness as well. It taught me to have patience and calm and to be strategic and plan, when possible, to avoid bad situations. I learned about how to improvise and compensate. Most importantly I learned that I could give an awesome shower. Every one’s situation will be unique and different, but I can be an active listener and maybe together we can figure out something to make it a little better. Currently I am also a volunteer Medicare counselor registered with the California department of aging and in training to become both a Medicare and Alzheimer’s Association volunteer educator.