My Journey with Dad: A Caregiver’S Perspective in Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’S Disease

JoAnn Devine is a registered nurse. By reliving this life changing event in a story format, she wishes to reach out to all caregivers of Alzheimer’s individuals and share her knowledge and experience. The first part of her nursing career was in the acute care settings in hospitals. The remainder of her career was spent in community health care in home health services. JoAnn developed a free standing, Medicare certified home health agency in the community that her father’s business was located in while she was growing up. She is a past board member of the Kansas Home Care Association. During her tenure on the board, she helped develop a code of ethics for the Kansas Home Care members and worked closely with the Midwest Bioethics Center in Kansas City. She is a past founding member of the Clay County Senior Services and committee chair for the formation of in home services. Her focus has been on development and strengthening of the continuum of care for those that need it and to keep individuals as independent and safe as possible in their home environment. Through her varied roles, she has been a part of a network of community organizations and business associates to meet those needs. JoAnn is an alumnus of Saint Mary University and the Sisters of Charity School of Nursing in Leavenworth, Kansas. She lives in Kansas City and is active with her community’s 50+ program for travel, socializing, and learning. Her two sons and families also live in Kansas City.