Resident Donates to Ingleside Engaged in Honor of His Wife

James (Jim) Ford, 86, and his wife Linda, 81, moved into Westminster at Lake Ridge (WLR) in January of 2017. Jim had a professional Army career for 30 years, which included Army and Joint Staff assignments in the Pentagon, as well as overseas duty in Germany, Austria as Defense and Army Attache at the US Embassy, and Vietnam. He then worked for the Department of Energy for eight years.

They made the decision to move into WLR when Linda was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Jim said that it was the size and beauty of the community that really caught his eye and made the decision easy.

“There is an overall sense of community and wanting to help each other out,” Jim said.

Jim hired a companion to help during the day when Linda lived with him for the first two years of their moving to WLR. When he saw that Ingleside Engaged was being created, Jim said he wanted to give back so that others can have help when their loved one is going through cognitive impairment.

WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO DONATE TO BENEFIT INGLESIDE ENGAGED AT WESTMINSTER AT LAKE RIDGE?

Because of my wife’s Alzheimer’s Disease, I wanted to do something for other people going through the same thing. When Ingleside Engaged was set up, I thought this is an opportunity to give back and help people who are fighting the same thing my wife is. I was motivated purely because of my love of her and my passion for wanting to help others. I gave a donation from my IRA distribution. I felt that was a good way to do it. It was an easy way to support the newly founded program. When Linda was with me, I had a companion with her several hours a day, and they did things like Ingleside Engaged does: took walks around the campus, socialized with residents, and enjoyed lunch in the bistro. I think it is wonderful that we have such a program here, and that caregivers don’t have to look for a companion for their loved one. It’s all right here. I wish I had had this when my wife needed it. But since I didn’t, I thought that at least I could make it available to others.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF SEEING THE IMPACT YOUR GIFT HAS ON THE COMMUNITY?

To see the participation of others here at WLR who are facing Alzheimer’s or other dementia. We have a number of participants. I met with the director and was told that when participants first  come, they are somewhat reticent. Then, after a couple of weeks in the program, they become very social with the others there and engage readily with the activities. They eat together in the bistro, do art projects, games and other things that are important for the mind. There are a number of people who need the program and are engaged in it, and whose caregivers are appreciative of the program. That makes me feel grateful.


MORE DONOR STORIES DONATE TODAY