For ten years, Melanie Freeman dedicated her life to caring for her mother, Lucille, after a brain aneurysm changed both of their lives forever. Today, on National Caregiver Day, we honour Melanie’s journey—not just as a caregiver, but as someone who has now found a new life and community at Carefor Civic Complex in Pembroke.

A Sudden Change in Life

On January 17, 2012, Melanie’s world turned upside down. She was watching a hockey game on TV when her mother, complaining of a headache, went to bed early. Moments later, she collapsed. Melanie called an ambulance, and Francis was rushed to the hospital, then transferred to Ottawa for emergency surgery.

After three weeks in the hospital, Francis returned home, but life was never the same. Suddenly, Melanie found herself in a role she had never prepared for—cooking, cleaning, helping her mother dress, and managing all of her care needs.

“It was scary,” Melanie recalls. “I didn’t know what to do or how to do it. But I learned. My mom needed me.”

For a decade, Melanie devoted herself to her mother’s care, giving up much of her own independence. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the isolation made things even harder for both of them. And as the years passed, Francis’s health declined further.

Then, on August 19, 2022, Melanie’s caregiving journey came to a heartbreaking end. Her mother fell out of bed, and paramedics rushed her to the hospital. Four days later, on August 23, Francis passed away.

A New Chapter Begins

In the wake of her mother’s passing, Melanie faced an uncertain future. She moved in with her brother’s family, but she felt lost. “They had their lives, and when they went to work, I was alone,” she says.

It was a doctor’s appointment in September that changed everything. Her doctor suggested she move into Carefor Civic Complex. “I thought, ‘That’s for seniors. I’m only 50!’” Melanie laughs. But the doctor assured her that Civic Complex was for people just like her—people who needed a community and support.

On October 19, 2022, Melanie moved in. The transition wasn’t easy. Due to COVID-19 protocols, she had to stay in her room for five days. “I didn’t bring any of my puzzles or books. It was tough.”

Then, on her first day out of her room, she saw a familiar face—her Aunt Betty. “That made me feel better right away,” she says. With Betty’s help, Melanie found her way around and started getting involved in activities.

A New Purpose

Today, Melanie is thriving. She participates in activities with the recreation coordinator three times a week and has even taken on a leadership role. “I’m like a junior activity coordinator,” she smiles.

For the first time in years, Melanie is living for herself. “When I was caring for my mom, I had to put my life on hold. Now, I make my own decisions.” She’s more social than ever and has formed strong bonds with the staff and residents.

Reflecting on her journey, Melanie acknowledges the pain of losing her mother but is grateful for where she is today. While it’s obvious that Melanie wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere other than caring for her mother during her time of need, she is embracing life in ways that she never had before and learning things about herself. “I’m much happier now,” she says. “I have friends, I have purpose, and I don’t feel alone anymore.”

On this National Caregiver Day, we celebrate Melanie Freeman—not just for the care she gave her mother for a decade, but for her strength in embracing a new chapter of her life.

To learn more about how Carefor’s retirement homes can care for you, visit our website or call 613-732-9993.