When Dad was first started showing the symptoms of Dementia it was almost shocking. He was such a brilliant man and it was hard to imagine. We were in denial for a long time. Mom did such a good job trying to stay strong and take care of him and attend to his many needs. It was too much and she neglected herself. When she was diagnosed with cancer, my sister and I would tag team between mom and dad to watch over them. We realized how much of an endeavor it was and we made the heartwrenching decision to move dad out of the family home and into a care facility. While at Atria he received much love and attention, but we knew he wasn't happy. He was depressed over the sudden changes and emptiness he must have felt without mom being by his side. He would stand at the crossroads of the hallways and look from one end to another and make the statement "it's a dead end. It goes no where." All he could do when we went to visit was to say "let's get outta here". And for an 89 year old, he was practically running down the hallway. We made a second decision and moved him to Clarebridge, Virginia Beach. We knew immediately this was the "home" he needed. Everyone at Clarebridge was always so warm and inviting and allowed him to "sit in" on their meetings, conference calls, etc...always the business man. Even the residents in their state were friendly too. I would often go visit him and if he wasn't walking around, he must have walked miles a day in there, he was asleep at his favorite spot on the sofa. Dad's still maintained his loveing and charming personality with dementia. He was just as engaging as ever, playful, and the ladies would flirt with him. One female resident almost cried when Daddy wasn't going to sit next to her at dinner since she had saved him a seat. Many times I would go visit him and he truly would not know me, but he would look at me and say "I know you". A couple of times he thought I was his sister, as I favor her a lot. Once or twice he thought I was my sister and asked where the kids were. He would always ask my name, and age, and if that big boy and I were still together and if he was taking care of me. He always questioned where my car was, if it was running ok, and how far was it so we could go for a drive. I am thankful to God for showing my mom an employment ad that connected me with my current employer, so I could be closer to my dad throughout the week. Dad would always talk to the staff and tell them "your a good woman (man)". He was a good man and they all adored him. On his final day, when he had passed, I rushed out to the hall and talked to one of the nurses to come in and within seconds nearly everyone on staff was in the room with Dad and I. They all loved him and wanted to be with him in his final moments. My sisters and I want to thank everyone at Atria and especially Clarebridge for all the love and attention they showed our father. His days were quite happy and fulfilled and we know he ate well. You made our journey through this illness so much easier.