Caregiving Story

Norman Packer

Location: Oakland, CA

Age: 52

Cared for by: Ronald Saine

Years of Care: 2

I had a good friend whose name was Norman. I met him at a meeting for an AIDS foundation planning committee. It was actually my first opportunity to give back to the community, and being a Christian, I felt compelled to give and share. I met a fellow committee member and we began to dialogue at meetings and over the phone. It just so happened that during a phone conversation, he seizured and I didn't know. I found out when I went to visit him and eventually found that his environment was stressful for him. Coupled with the virus, the doctor compelled him to move before it was too late. I took him in as a roommate, took classes in care giving, and assisted in his needs medically and supportively. He eventually moved into a hospice, but we remained friends and I learned a lot.

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