Though about 200 applications flooded in, it was clear to the judges that Debbie Baros was destined to win Homewatch CareGivers’ “Family Caregiver of the Year.” The 40-year-old Auroran, after all, had been caring for her father in some capacity since she was 13.
She was there to help with care and household help when he lost his leg and part of an arm in 1984 after a motorcycle accident. When he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2005, Baros, who had been working full time in sales, quit to provide full-time care for her dad.
Baros took a few moments out of her busy day to answer some questions on caring for her father, 74-year-old Anthony Baros.
Q: What made you decide to make such sacrifices?
A: He raised me and my siblings alone through his life. He was a great dad. He was a steelworker in Pueblo, and he worked hard to care for us. When he said he didn’t want to go into a nursing home, I made the promise that I’d take care of him.
Q: AARP released a report this year that stated 65 million Americans are serving as family caregivers. What’s your advice to all those people who are facing the same challenges that have been presented to you?
A: The most simple one: Never feel you’re alone. So many caregivers suffer from depression. There are people to talk with, and so many resources out there. All you have to do is ask.
Q: When you quit your job and moved to Aurora, you soon realized you had little money to help your dad. You managed to secure more than $40,000 worth of grants for your father’s care. Where did you look for these funds?
A: It took some hard work, that’s for sure. Reach out to places like churches and food banks. I’ve found grants for a hospital bed, a ceiling lift, a wheelchair and more. Arapahoe County put in a hot water heater and put in flooring for us. Go to the Denver Region Area Agency on Aging. Look for the Senior Resource Book in senior centers and doctors offices.
Q: Who has helped you out on this journey?
A: At first, I didn’t have a lot of support. Now I have a 75-year-old former nurse who’s a go-getter. Her being here a couple of days a week is a blessing. My suggestion is to reach out to family and friends. Find someone you can trust.
Q: When a physician tells you “It’s likely Alzheimer’s,” what happens next?
A: The primary-care physician will help you with things like home health care and nurse’s visits. Social workers will help you out; I’ve had some wonderful women lead me in the right direction. Most insurance plans will pay.
Q: Any final pieces of advice for those in your situation?
A: First, when you first hear about the disease, don’t freak out. Educate yourself. Learn everything you can. Next, when any serious diagnosis is revealed, be sure your loved one has a living will. Finally, exercise is important. I exercise five days a week. But realize that exercise is the best thing for your loved one, too. It promotes healthy brain activity.
Q: Have you ever thought, “Enough, already. I can’t do this anymore”?
A: No, not really. There were hard times. He could get angry, when he didn’t know what was happening to his mind. Now he’s more at peace. I can see in his eyes that he is so happy and peaceful. He knows he’s so loved.
Debbie Baros will give a talk hosted by Homewatch CareGivers Nov. 18 at the Village of the Hampden Town Center, 3601 S. Dallas St., Aurora. Details at
