Honor a loved one this spring …

“My mom did so much for me, and I was always wondering if I was doing enough for her,” – Tracey Kealey

Tracey Kealey always deeply admired her mother Margo’s free spirit, work ethic and curiosity to master new skills. Margo’s nursing career inspired Tracey to become a certified nursing assistant at Agrace 19 years ago.

But in 2015, Margo was in a car accident that led to early-onset of Alzheimer’s disease—an irreversible loss of brain function. As the disease progressed, daily activities became more difficult for Margo, and behavior changes made it necessary to move into assisted living. While she benefited from around-the-clock supervision and support, she could no longer go for daily walks and bikes rides or spend time with her beloved cats.

As life’s simplest joys slipped away from her, Margo grew increasingly frustrated. Tracey was heartbroken over the gradual loss of the mother she knew, and she felt defeated and guilty because she was unable to juggle the logistics of her mother’s care.

Soon after it opened, Tracey turned to Agrace’s new Hospice Memory Care Suites in Madison for the next step in her mother’s care. The Suites, which opened in December 2019, serve hospice patients who have memory care needs. This secure, homelike space has many design features that increase residents’ safety, and reduce agitation and discomfort.

“She still had many moments of confusion and anger, but the staff knew how to make the most out of her time and keep her comforted,” Tracey recalls. “She found joy with holding the simulation therapy cats and looking out the windows to the beautiful courtyard.”

Margo spent her final 13 days at Agrace, with family and friends by her side. Tracey reflects, “My mom was always the constant in my life. This is the first time she’s on a completely different journey. This experience has given me a greater appreciation for my Agrace teammates, patients and families, and of course my mother.”