Hackman Horror
Another "Check on your Neighbors" Post
In case you’ve been careening down a doom loop of calamitous economic obsession, bureaucratic blowups, and global order meltdown, there was big story you may have missed that hits all of us very close to home.
PS: This content is a 60-second read, but the accompanying video is longer.
Gene Hackman was 95 and suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. We don’t know how bad he had become, but with his age, he likely needed 24/7 care for all functions. His wife, Betsy, was his primary caregiver. She contracted Hantavirus and died in the home. Hackman survived another week, likely incapable of feeding or taking care of his basic needs. Their dog was also found dead.
This clip details the story with snippets from Emma Willis, actor Bruce Willis’ wife and caregiver as he was diagnosed with dementia. This is a fate currently facing neighbors around us - whether as caregivers or patients.
Is there an opportunity in your book club, small group, or HOA, to start an informal “Adopt-a-Grandparent” or even an “Adopt-a-Caregiver” (those could go together, two birds/one stone) effort? Here are some ideas to get you started:
Weekly check-in by text message. Low effort, high impact.
“Hey there, how was your day? Did you see the moon last night? Hope you’re doing well!”
Bonus points for a phone call or drop by the house.
Take a shift - many times, especially if someone is in hospice care, someone just needs to be in the house to call the emergency line if needed. Give the caregiver a few hours off.
No special skills are required for this!
You can bring your work, a book, watch TV, etc. It’s an easy way to take a little weight off a caregiver’s shoulders.
FOOD - always. One less meal of Tupperware leftovers. One less meal the caregiver or elderly person has to fix.
Coffee - Grab an extra and drop off to an elderly neighbor’s house.
What are your ideas for making connections with elderly neighbors and caregivers?
Happy serving!
About Serve60Sharp
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