Debbie's Story
Debbie and Jerry’s story is a testament to the power of Home and Community Based Services. After Debbie was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, Jerry was determined to keep caring for his wife in the home they had built together. HCB waiver supports provided paid caregivers who helped meet Debbie’s daily needs while giving Jerry the opportunity to rest and continue being her husband—not just her caregiver.
Those supports allowed them to spend precious years together, creating memories and preserving the life they loved as a family.
Later, when Jerry was diagnosed with cancer, they faced another unimaginable challenge. Because of the supports available to them, Debbie and Jerry were able to move into a skilled nursing facility together instead of being separated. They continued living side by side, supporting one another and making decisions about their care with dignity and respect.
For Debbie and Jerry, waiver services were about far more than healthcare. They made it possible for a husband and wife to remain together, preserving their love, their family, and their choice to face life’s final chapters hand in hand.