Pioneer Home Resident publishes book chronicling experiences caring for wife with Alzheimer’s

WASILLA— Alaska Veterans and Pioneer Home resident Bill Brokaw published “Life’s Darkest Disease,” a chronicle of his experiences as a caregiver for his wife Patricia who has Alzheimer’s Disease.

Brokaw is 84 years old and Patricia is 81. He published his book in February during the early stages of COVID-19 quarantines. He said that despite the uphill battle against the pandemic, overall book sales are still panning out.

“I received the books from my publisher just as the COVID-19 became a major issue. Thus selling these books has been very difficult,” Brokaw said. I’ve sold quite a few of them. I feel like I have quite the story to tell. For two years I was a caregiver, and I did everything for her. It’s a really tough job.”

Brokaw’s book recounts the last seven years of his wife’s memories fading away, including the two years he spent caring for all her needs until they moved to the Pioneer Home.

“We just have to live day by day,” Brokaw said.

Brokaw kept a journal that detailed the debilitating changes that Patricia was experiencing and combined them all into a single book.

“It’s been tough,” Brokaw said. “It’s a terrible disease. She couldn’t do anything for herself… There’s no cure and that’s the problem.”

Brokaw sold his house in Anchorage and moved into the Pioneer Home to be close to Patrica. He said they both are veterans so they were accepted into the home. He said that his wife lives in another wing than him and received attention from staff and medical experts all hours of the day. He said that he’s very thankful for their efforts over the past two years.

“The Pioneer Home has been a lifesaver for me,” Brokaw said. “They’ve taken a lot of weight off my shoulders. It’s a very nice facility… Shortly after moving in here, I realized how really fortunate we both were. She gets the huge level of 24/7 care that she needs, and I find the service comparable to a 5-star hotel.”

Brokaw said that writing the book has helped him process the tragic decline of his wife’s mental state. He said that he hopes it helps other people going through the same thing.

“I thought people reading this could get an insight into this disease,” Brokaw said.

While family members and close friends are able to visit their loved ones, visitation is still heavily restricted with numerous social distancing measures in place.

Those interested in obtaining a signed copy of “Life’s Darkest Disease” can call Brokaw at 907-709-0927 or email him at akbrokaws@gmail.com. The book cost $19.95 without shipping and handling. It’s also available online at sites like Barns and Noble and Amazon, and it even has a digital version available.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiertsman.com