Johnathan Fernandez is a 24-year-old nursing student at Florida Atlantic University who has been caring for Carol Larsen for the past three months as a part of his clinical hours. Carol is a loving 89-year-old mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who has lived with Alzheimer’s for five years. She grew up in Ohio and moved to South Florida in her early twenties, where she worked her way from waitress to manager at the Beverly Hills Café. In this moment, Johnathan helps Carol sit down with steady support to begin their daily routine.
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Carol Larsen is an 89-year-old woman who has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for the last five years. She is a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who is adored by peers in her assisted living home. Johnathan Fernandez is a 24-year-old nursing student attending Florida Atlantic University and completing his clinical hours at Providence Living in Pembroke Pines; he cares for Carol.
Through their interactions, it is evident that Johnathan’s patience and supportive nature help Carol to thrive. Once a hardworking waitress and restaurant manager at Beverly Hills Café, Carol now depends on Johnathan’s guidance to navigate daily life, from safely sitting down to starting her morning routine. Their bond is representative of the millions of similar relationships between caregivers and those affected by Alzheimer’s disease in the United States.
As Carol’s mobility and physical independence decreases, Johnathan assists her through many daily tasks, such as slipping on her shoes, washing her hands, and moving safely through the memory support center and the courtyard. Research from the National Library of Medicine and the Mayo Clinic emphasize that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia often experience a gradual loss of motor function, requiring increased physical support. Johnathan also ensures that Carol receives the correct medications each day, by organizing them with the help of digital reminders and smart pill systems. The digital tools that caregivers such as Johnathan rely on provide consistency and safety, with an allowance to alter important schedules or dates around a patient’s changing needs.
Beyond physical care, Johnathan supports Carol emotionally and cognitively. He encourages memory recall through family photo books, a strategy that is recommended by the Alzheimer’s Association to help spark recognition and reduce confusion.
Throughout their time together, gentle touch and reassuring communication help reduce Carol’s anxiety and create a sense of trust, as supported by guidance from the Cleveland Clinic. Carol’s cherished photographs, especially those of her loved ones, serve as a reminder of her fulfilling life and identity beyond her diagnosis. With intentional care, meaningful conversations, and emotional presence, Johnathan helps Carol retain dignity, connection, and a sense of self. Johnathan’s acts demonstrate the profound role which caregivers play in preserving the humanity of those living with Alzheimer’s disease.
The Memory Support Center in Providence Living at Pembroke Pines supports elderly patients with memory deficit disorders. Carol and Johnathan spend most of their time together in this area. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 65 is currently living with Alzheimer’s, and there are more than 5 million caregivers in the U.S. supporting them. This shows how many families rely on caregivers every day.Since Carol’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, her range of mobility has significantly decreased. According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, it is common for physical ability to decline in later stages of the disease. In turn, Johnathan aids with daily tasks, such as slipping on her shoes.Johnathan carefully sorts the day’s medications each morning. With the help of digital reminders and alarms, Johnathan can successfully supply Carol with the medications she needs. According to the AARP, technology such as medication reminder apps and smart pill organizers can help caregivers ensure medications are taken safely and consistently. In the bathroom, Carol needs assistance as well. Johnathan helps to push down on the soap dispenser when Carol does not have the strength to do so. According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals with dementia may gradually need help with basic daily activities such as bathing and washing hands.Johnathan carefully guides Carol out of the bathroom, providing support to maintain her balance. According to Alzheimer’s mobility research published in the National Library of Medicine, 40% to 60% of individuals with memory deficit disorders experience health-damaging falls due to a decreased range of mobility. Johnathan and Carol made their way to the courtyard. As she breathes in the fresh air, Johnathan jots down reminders and sets alarms on his phone. According to Mayo Clinic, keeping organized digital and written records helps caregivers manage daily routines and ensures important information is accessible.Johnathan offers reassurance through gentle physical contact, an important method for reducing anxiety and maintaining trust with Carol. An article published by Cleveland Clinic states that gentle touch and calm physical reassurance can help reduce stress and anxiety for individuals with Alzheimer’s.Johnathan reviews Carol’s notes and reminders, organizing important phone numbers and daily tasks in case his phone cannot be accessed. According to the Mayo Clinic, keeping both digital and written records helps caregivers stay organized and ensures important information is accessible during emergencies.Memory exercises using family picture books help Carol remember certain faces and events. Johnathan listens closely, encouraging her to share what she remembers. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, looking at old photos can help spark memories and encourage meaningful conversations. Johnathan and Carol point to old photos of her deceased husband and son-in-law. Johnathan supports the conversation, helping Carol reconnect with important memories of her loved ones.An older picture of Carol rests on her bedside table, acting as a reminder of who she is beyond Alzheimer’s disease. She is full of life, stories, history, and worthy of respect and honor.
Kelly Rengifo (she/her) was born and raised in Miami, Florida by Venezuelan parents. She is majoring in Digital and Interactive Media learning content production. She aspires to work in radio or television as a production assistant, providing broadcast and administrative support. She has an interest in storytelling and creating engaging content for diverse audiences.
Emily Toraya is a Miami native who is a Florida International University senior and Honors College member. Emily is a Digital Communications major with a focus on interactive media. Emily has an interest in connecting the digital sphere to her hometown and aims to operate the social media platforms of beloved local businesses after graduating with her Bachelors of Science.
Marisol Morales is a Miami native and a senior currently pursuing a degree in Digital Communication and Media with a minor in Marketing. Throughout her college journey, she has developed strong skills in content creation and social media strategies. After graduation, she plans to build a career in social media, aiming to help brands grow their online presence and create meaningful digital experiences.
