Man uses lessons from personal caregiving to help patients

[Max]

Man uses lessons from personal caregiving to help patients

By Eden Foster
POSTED: Oct. 27, 2002 10:21 p.m.

HENDERSONVILLE - At least three days each week, Bill Holcomb makes himself indispensable to the patients and staff of the Pardee Care Center in Hendersonville.

Holcomb, 90, and his dog visit each Alzheimer's patient. He escorts them to activities, helps with serving lunch, holds their hands, and often, just listens.

"He is one of the kindest, gentlest men I've ever met," said Candy Fisher, assistant administrator of the facility. "The residents love him and they respond to his ministrations. The facility wouldn't be the same without him," she said.

When Holcomb's wife, Irene, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 1993, Holcomb made it his business to learn as much as possible about the disease.

And in the midst of his grief following Irene's death last year, Holcomb decided to continue to apply what he learned through caring for her every day, by volunteering.

"Some people think that people with Alzheimer's just aren't with it," said Holcomb. "But you better assume that they are understanding more than you think."

Holcomb said the residents often remember his dog's name - Candy - even when they can't remember his, and will sometimes just call him "the Candy man." He said that his dog often seems to know what residents need most; the dog will offer his head to be patted or just sit quietly and wag his tail. But when a resident prefers cats, Holcomb "borrows" a cat from a nearby veterinarian.

"I definitely feel I was led by the Lord to go to Pardee Care Canter as a volunteer," wrote Holcombe in an essay he titled "Moving From a Care Giver to a Volunteer."

"I am getting far more out of being a volunteer than I am giving. The love and support I have received from the staff has been of tremendous help to me. I feel as if I am part of the family."

Hometown Heroes are ordinary people who do extraordinary things in our community. They appear Mondays and Wednesdays. To nominate someone you know, contact Assistant Metro Editor Jason Sandford at JSandford@CITIZEN-TIMES.com or 232-5928.


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