Two Doctors, Two Diagnoses, One Daughter Caring for Both

By Jennifer Nazon via Well Beings Share Your Caregiving Story

Two Doctors from Haiti

My name is Jennifer Nazon and I am proud to share my caregiving story. I am the daughter of 2 immigrants from Haiti, Doctors Monique Parinis Nazon and Serge Nazon.  Shortly after marrying in Haiti in 1970, they migrated to New Jersey and eventually settled in Cambria Heights, Queens, where my family and I still live. 

A Career Derailed by Dementia

After my parents migrated to the United States in 1970, my mother worked as an anesthesiologist before transitioning into Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She continued to work until she suffered a vascular stroke in 2014.

After her second stroke in 2016, she began to show signs of dementia. During the early stages, my mom would often repeat phrases or questions, such as asking if it is raining outside. She was also constantly losing items such as her cell phone. Gradually, over time my mom began to show more signs of cognitive and physical decline.

Rehab and Relocation

In the summer of 2022 she became very ill and was hospitalized for over a week. Upon discharge she transitioned into a rehab facility, where she lived until July of 2024 when she fell from the bed and developed a hematoma on her forehead. Upon discharge from the hospital, we brought her home, rather than return her to the nursing facility.

A Kindhearted, Generous Woman

She required total assistance with all activities of daily living, was unable to walk or feed herself. We obtained some assistance at home with home health aides. I am truly grateful to my late Aunt Michelle for her constant support in aiding to care for my mom throughout her illness. Between July and November of 2024, my mom’s health would continue to decline and was admitted to the hospital multiple times due to pneumonia, sepsis and other serious infections. She passed away on November 19, 2024. Although my mom is no longer physically here, her legacy will always remain as a part of my life. My mom was a kindhearted, generous woman, who always went above and beyond to help others, whether it was her family, friends, or even a complete stranger. 

Caring for My Dad

Today, my sister, nephew and I are caring for my dad who also is in the early-mid stages of dementia. He still recognizes us. However, he can become confused and agitated at times. He is not aware of my mom’s passing or that she was very ill. My dad also has congestive heart failure and has been hospitalized several times for heart related issues. Although caregiving can be overwhelming at times, it is indeed a blessing to be able to care for my parents. 

Becoming an Advocate

Recently, I decided to volunteer as an advocate for the NYC Alzheimer’s Association. Due to my personal experience with dementia, I developed a calling to become actively involved in working toward obtaining much needed support and funding for research so that we can, indeed one day see an end to Alzheimer’s disease. I look forward to participating in more advocacy events, allowing me to impact the lives of others who are also facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

I’m a proud daughter, caregiver, and advocate, and this is my story.