November 1998: Mother diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.
April 1999: Murray Steinman and Erin Prophet become Mother’s court-appointed co-guardians.
1998-1999: Mother undergoes a rapid decline, losing many key components needed for adult functioning. She becomes unable to participate in most religious services, although she continues to enjoy time with her friends and family, as well as singing, dancing and movies.
June 2000: Mother moves from her home at the Royal Teton Ranch into an apartment in the home of Murray and Claude Steinman in Bozeman, Montana. The apartment is 1,800 square feet, with three bedrooms, a kitchen, and two bathrooms. She meets and entertains many old friends in this new setting, although small groups are preferable to larger ones.
2001: Mother’s guardians begin to limit visitors, as she begins to tire more easily and to become confused by the demands of hosting guests. After a seizure in late 2000 and another in early 2001, she becomes less responsive.
2002: Mother develops Parkinsonian symptoms and requires two caregivers during most of her waking hours. However, she is still able to enjoy walking, singing and dancing with her caregivers, family and close friends.
June 2000 through December 2003: During Mother’s decline, Erin appeals to the church board to increase funding for caregivers. Debate centers around the question of whether Mother will return to her old home at the ranch or continue at the Steinmans’ home. For medical reasons as well as to be close to her son Seth, Mother’s guardians prefer the Bozeman site.
December 2003: Erin Prophet puts out a public appeal for funds, after years of negotiation with the church appear to have reached a standstill.
December 2003: Erin Prophet founds Mother’s Care Trust to raise funds for her mother’s care. She warns that unless the church fully funds the in-home care option, her mother may need to be transferred to a nursing home. Also requests donations to fill in the gap while negotiations continue with the church.
Fall 2004: Erin announces her fund-raising goal for the year has been met. The Church agrees to fully fund the in-home care option. Mother’s decline seems to have slowed, and loss of capacity is not as rapid as in previous years.
Fall 2005: New health update. Funds still needed for Mother’s Care Trust but bulk of needs being covered by the church. Mother continues a slow decline but remains tranquil and cheerful.
|