Lab 4: Health Story
Sitting in the comfort of her senior living home, Sue Hill sits with her idle mind on Oct. 14th, 2020. "She usually is very quiet and nods her head. Even when talking to her she may say 'yes, sir' or laugh," George Hill said. Photo credit: Marcela Sifuentes
Sue Hill is a 70-year-old woman who suffers from Dementia, type 2 diabietes and is legally blind. Sue is mainly taken care of by her husband, George Hill, 71, and on occasion their nine children or 30 grandchildren.
Having a laugh, George (left) and Sue (right) Hill enjoying each other's company in their senior living home on Oct. 14th, 2020. "She doesn't remember a lot of things but she has her moments," George Hill said. Photo credit: Marcela Sifuentes
Since she was diagnosed, George has been taking care of his wife in their senior living home. George cooks, cleans, and takes her out of the house for walks or drives around the neighborhood.
For over 30 years, Sue has suffered from type 2 diabetes and has been steady. However, in 2015 she was diagnosed with Cataracts and Glaucoma. Due to the doctors' order, Cataracts surgery was performed first before glaucoma, but it was too late.
Reminiscing the good times, pictures of Sue Hill in her 50’s attending her daughter, Kim Sifuentes, 21, wedding on Nov. 22, 1998. The other picture, Sue is holding her three year old granddaughter, Marcela Sifuentes on a trip to Disney world. Photo by Marcela Sifuentes.
In 2018, Sue and George Hill were involved in a car accident that led to a visit to the hospital. Sue and George were both left unharmed, however, the visit brought the couple other news.
Sue had transient ischemic attacks, mini strokes, which the doctors believed cused her brain to shrink. The doctors also believed the car accident triggered something as well and diagnosed her with Dementia.
Taking in the scenery, George (left) and Sue Hill (right) stop on their building walk on Oct.14th, 2020. Due to the changing weather, George and Sue Hill walked indoors in their senior living building. Photo by Marcela Sifuentes.
As Sue’s condition progressed she began forgetting, talking to people who were not there, and she went through a phase of not eating or drinking. Yet, Sue was not alone she had her big loving family to help take care of her.
Recently celebrating their 52 year anniversary on Oct 12th, George (left) and Sue Hill (right) hold hands in their senior living home on Oct. 13th, 2020. “I still love her, I love her very very much,” said George Hill. Photo credit: Marcela Sifuentes