Ben Allen: Devoted Caregiver Who Became a Valued Staffer

The old proverb, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” easily applies to Mission Viejo resident Ben Allen.

When Ben’s wife Judy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2011, he went to work immediately, turning for support to Alzheimer’s Orange County (AlzOC), a trusted community resource for information and help that is now commemorating 40 years of service to Orange County.

He quickly enrolled them both in the early memory loss class at AlzOC, and then followed that by participating together in the nonprofit organization’s Our Gang support group that offers mind-stimulating activities and a social gathering opportunity for people with memory loss and their care partners.

“This was a great experience for both of us,” Ben fondly recollects. “The joy that she got just being herself was infectious. Her outgoing social nature and desire to make others comfortable didn’t change. People say that Alzheimer’s changes personalities. I say their personality doesn’t change; they just have different ways to express it.”

Ben said Judy enjoyed the support group for about two years until it became more difficult for her to have interactions with other people which was causing her more stress. But he found it so valuable that he continued to participate even after she stopped.

These experiences showed him firsthand the importance of these programs, including having the chance to interact with other people dealing with the insidious disease.

“They gave me the opportunity to talk with other people walking the same road as I was who had learned things. Then when new people would come in, I’d be able to share some of the things I learned with them and provide some encouragement.”

Then five years ago, Ben had an opportunity to give back to AlzOC and help others, too, by becoming a part-time staff member.

He is now a programs and education specialist and coordinator of the Memories in the Making program that provides meaningful activity for persons with dementia, while focusing on creative expression that lets those with dementia “speak” through art. With the stroke of a paintbrush participants are able to express themselves, often painting memories from long ago or images that represent their hobbies and passions.

After having been on both sides as a recipient of AlzOC services and as an employee, Ben is grateful that he is able to return the goodwill he and Judy received, including hearing one family tell him he had changed their lives. “Throughout these past 12 years, it’s been an affirming and encouraging experience for me to provide some support and assistance to others.”

But the joy he fondly recalls Judy expressing when she was engaged with others in the AlzOC programs, helping them feel accepted and comfortable despite her own challenges, will always be his own personal memory in the making.