Marty and Sandy Powling have hopscotched the world together: Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Germany, Austria and their native England. But when the mild cognitive impairment that had plagued Marty for several years worsened in 2021, Sandy knew they had taken their last trip.
There were times when he did find things difficult. We just got through the days and carried on.
Sandy Powling, Wife of Waypoint Patient
Quiet and diligent by nature, Marty worked in the carpentry and construction fields. Married since 1977, he and Sandy have two grown sons. His eventual diagnosis with Lewy body dementia was a tough blow for the Alliston-area couple. The disease affects areas of the brain that involve thinking and movement. Individuals may experience short-term memory problems, depression, anxiety, visual hallucinations, tremors and other symptoms, ultimately leading to dementia.
The Horizon Program for Geriatric Psychiatry has proved an ideal setting for Marty. Since August 2023, he has benefited from living in a safe and secure environment: “They give him as much dignity as they can, which I appreciate,” said Sandy. “The care here is always 100 per cent.”
Horizon serves patients 65 or over with a psychiatric disorder, as well as persons under 65 with Alzheimer’s or other dementing illnesses. Staff oversee patient stabilization and proper medication, and help them function without becoming agitated or aggressive. The unit features a large day room, a large secured patio area, a dining room and rooms available for therapy, activities and visiting.
Everybody said, ‘Marty needs to go to Waypoint’. I didn’t like the idea at first, but they told me there’s a program called Horizon that helps dementia patients, so I did my due diligence and I came here.
Sandy Powling
A staff member took the time to explain the care and services, reassuring her that Waypoint would be the best place for Marty. It was the first glimpse of the compassionate environment she has come to know so well. Sandy has become familiar with most of the nurses and staff, and has particularly high praise for psychiatrist Dr. Marcus Allan: “He’s been absolutely wonderful to me and to Marty. So informative and so concerned. If I have questions or need to know something or I’m not sure, he always has time to sit down and discuss.”
The Powlings may no longer take trips together, but Sandy’s travelling days are by no means behind her. Five days a week, she makes the 65-minute drive to Penetanguishene to spend time with her husband, providing him with comfort and familiarity: “It’s what my heart tells me to do.”
Most days, Sandy arrives between 10 and 10:30 a.m., takes him for a walk if the weather is nice, helps him with his lunch, and then sends him back downstairs to the Horizon wing for a nap or activities. She typically leaves around 2 p.m.
Some days are good days, some days are not. There have been times I’ve been here and he’s the old Marty. And there are others when he doesn’t say too much, so sometimes I read to him or just talk to him.
Sandy Powling
In North Simcoe Muskoka, 20.8 per cent of residents are over the age of 65, compared to 18.5 per cent for all of Ontario, and the region’s population is aging at a faster rate than the rest of the province. Sandy said anyone whose spouse or parents develop dementia should have no misgivings about the Horizon program.
I used to think Marty would be better off sleeping in his own bed, but I see how good the nurses are here and I realize he needs 24/7 care. For me to have Marty at home, I would need to have another person helping all the time. He’s getting better care at this point in his dementia than I could possibly give him.
Sandy Powling
April 1 is National Caregiver Day — a time to honour people in Canada who provide personal care and both physical and emotional support to those in need.
Waypoint believes caregivers like those celebrated by Sandy in this story make a difference in people’s lives. To help sustain their efforts, charitable donations are always welcome.