Mildred was inspired to become a pediatric nurse by the illness of her youngest brother. She trained as a nurse during the day and took care of her brother at night. After he died, she continued nursing, while marrying and raising five children of her own. After her 20-year marriage ended, faced with the need to support her family, Mildred rose to become hospital administrator while her children pitched in to help. In addition to her demanding profession and family responsibilities, Mildred volunteered in her community. She taught adults how to read, advocated with environmental groups, and engaged in political action. At age 62, she retired and moved to Kansas City to help her son raise his six children.

Thanks to WISE, Mildred's children are able to avoid nursing home placement and ensure that her life continues to be rich and full of meaning, with an extra a touch of love and happiness.

Then, Mildred started to show signs of Alzheimer's. Her son became her caregiver but, after a few years, he needed a break. Faced with the prospect of nursing home placement, three of Mildred's children agreed to take turns caring for her in their homes. Last year, Mildred moved to Los Angeles to live with her daughter, Lydia, a widow with one child. Lydia quickly discovered that Mildred could not be left alone at home. A marketing representative for a large organization, she found it impossible to care for her mother and keep the erratic schedule required for her profession. She heard about WISE through her company's employee assistance program. The extended hours offered by the WISE Adult Day Service Center ideally suit her needs.

Mildred loves coming to WISE because of the pleasant company that it provides her. At the Center, she enjoys the personal interaction with other clients and the recreational activities. She happily admits that she likes to play Scrabble, confidently asserting that, although she is quite an adroit player, it is all in the spirit of having fun!

Thanks to WISE, Mildred's children are able to avoid nursing home placement and ensure that her life continues to be rich and full of meaning, with an extra a touch of love and happiness.