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- My parents sold their home of 40 years and retired to Colombia. I moved them back to the US when they both got sick. (businessinsider.com)
A Family’s Journey: From Colombian Retirement Dream to Alzheimer’s Care
When my parents retired at 70, they set their sights on Barranquilla, Colombia. My father, a Colombian native, longed to return home, while my Cuban mother embraced the vibrant Latin culture. They sold their Houston home and bought a condo with a partial ocean view, enjoying a comfortable retirement on their Social Security and savings.
Life was idyllic at first. They savored coffee with friends, morning beach walks, and lively parties with fellow retirees.
But paradise wouldn’t last. During a visit to Texas, my mother failed to recognize my young son.
Later, my father struggled with once-familiar tasks. The diagnosis: Alzheimer’s disease for both.
Though early-stage, the diagnosis brought difficult decisions. Having witnessed Alzheimer’s in my family before, I knew the road ahead.
My parents agreed to return to Houston, moving in with my family temporarily. However, their attachment to Barranquilla made the transition challenging, with occasional pronouncements of returning to Colombia.
Since February, they’ve been living with us. I manage their medications, reset forgotten passwords, and navigate the complexities of their care.
One of the biggest hurdles has been dealing with the legal and logistical challenges of selling their Colombian condo and belongings, a process complicated by international laws. I’m currently searching for legal and real estate assistance in Colombia.
While caring for my parents, I’m also mindful of my own future. This experience has reinforced the importance of planning and open communication, lessons I hope will guide my family through the challenges ahead.