Care For Life Assisted Living Keeps Life As Normal As Possible For Lem And Mary Pringle

For almost seven decades, Lem and Mary Pringle have lived as husband and wife. They recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in their apartment at the Waterford assisted living facility. They celebrated the 65th there, too.

Not too long ago couples like Lem and Mary wouldn’t have been living together at all.

Mary, 89, has Alzheimer’s disease and needs more care than Lem, 88, could provide if they were living at home.

“If Mary were down there (in the Alzheimer’s unit), and I were up here, after 66 years of marriage, I’d not be nearly as happy as I am when we live together, even though taking care of her puts constraints on me,” says Lem.

Yet Lem feels strongly about his decision to stick by Mary.

“It’s important to provide Mary care, because in all the literature, they strongly recommend a home atmosphere as long as possible,” says Lem. , DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 6 Color Photos

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Story and photos by Torsten Kjellstrand