Caring for a loved one with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or any progressive deteriorating disease is incredibly challenging. It can consume your life, leaving little room for self-care and often leading to caregiver burnout. The constant demands can make it feel as though your choices are slipping away. But for Lynn Legree, support came through two life-changing programs offered by Carefor—giving her the strength to continue caring for her husband while also taking care of herself.
Nearly twenty years ago, Lynn’s husband, Terry, was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease—a progressive condition that gradually took away his independence. For Lynn, his diagnosis changed everything. Overnight, she became the primary caregiver, carrying the weight of their daily lives alone. The responsibilities were relentless, leaving little time for her own well-being.
As Terry’s condition worsened, so did Lynn’s stress and exhaustion. She poured everything into ensuring his safety and comfort, but in doing so, she neglected her own needs. Over time, the emotional strain led to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.
Then, in 2019, things began to change. Terry joined the Carling Adult Day Program in Ottawa, offering him a safe and engaging space while giving Lynn the chance to breathe. And in 2023, Lynn found even more support when she joined the Let’s Get Together Club—a community where women like her could reconnect, share experiences, and focus on their own well-being.
These programs didn’t just provide assistance; they restored Lynn’s sense of choice. They gave her back the ability to care for herself while still caring for Terry.
Now, twice a week, when Terry is at the Carling Adult Day Program, Lynn has peace of mind. She knows he’s safe, comfortable, and well cared for. Those precious hours allow her to handle errands, attend appointments, or simply rest—without guilt or worry.
On Fridays, the Let’s Get Together Club offers her something equally valuable: connection. In a welcoming space, she gathers with other women who understand the struggles of caregiving and mental health challenges. It’s a place to laugh, make friends, and momentarily set aside the weight of responsibility.
“As women, we’ve been nurtured to take care of others,” Lynn reflects. “But we [also] need to be looked after.” She acknowledges the difficulty of stepping back but emphasizes its importance. “We can always give advice, but we don’t give it to ourselves.”
Caregiving can be overwhelming, but as the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Carefor’s programs help caregivers like Lynn fill their cup — allowing them to continue caring for their loved ones while also caring for themselves.
This National Caregiver Day, we recognize caregivers across our community like Lynn who are working hard to keep their loved ones at home, while doing their best to also care for themselves.
If you’d like to learn more about the Let’s Get Together Club, please visit our website.
For more information on the Carling Adult Day Program, click here.