For the last four years of her mother’s life, Dalma Riquelme’s day began at 6 AM. The 63-year-old Bronx resident would prepare for a grueling 12-hour shift, not at a traditional workplace, but at her mother’s apartment. By 8 AM, Riquelme would arrive to take on her role as a full-time caregiver for her mom, who had battled Alzheimer’s disease for over 14 years.
Riquelme’s routine was relentless. She helped her mother, who had lost the ability to walk, out of bed. She prepared baths, carefully cleaning her mother and changing her diapers. Feeding was a delicate process, with Riquelme often having to remind her mother to swallow. She ground medications each day to ensure they could be administered safely.
Throughout the day, Riquelme cleaned, prepared pureed meals, and provided supervision. Even during quiet moments, she remained vigilant, constantly checking to ensure her mother was still breathing.
At 8 PM, if someone arrived to relieve her, Riquelme would make the journey back to her own apartment. She often didn’t arrive home until late in the evening, leaving her little time to unwind and prepare for the next day.
It wasn’t always easy for Riquelme to confront the reality of her mother’s condition. She recalled noticing changes well before the official diagnosis, even though, like many caregivers, she initially denied that something was seriously wrong.