Assisted Living Locators of East Columbus Honors Local Family Caregiver During Alzheimer's Month

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Assisted Living Locators of East Columbus honored Columbus resident Wendy Whitten with the Loved01 Cares "Live Like a Legend" Caregiver Recognition Award during Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, recognizing her extraordinary commitment to caring for her father, Ken "Kray" Whitten, who is living with Alzheimer's disease.

Whitten was selected by Assisted Living Locators owner Miriam Bogard after making the life-changing decision to leave her career in California and return to Ohio to become her father's full-time caregiver.

The recognition is part of a nationwide caregiver appreciation initiative through Loved01 Cares, celebrating family caregivers who demonstrate exceptional compassion and dedication while supporting loved ones living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

"When I learned Wendy's story, I knew she embodied everything this recognition represents," Bogard said. "She completely changed the course of her own life so her father wouldn't have to face Alzheimer's alone. That kind of love and sacrifice deserves to be recognized."

After noticing her father's increasing forgetfulness, missed bills and declining ability to manage daily life following his Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2022, Whitten realized he needed someone by his side. She relocated to Columbus and has spent the past two years preparing his meals, managing his household and finances, coordinating physician appointments and providing daily emotional support.

Her father, a retired teacher known to many as "Kray," dedicated his career to serving students and his community. Today, he resides at Carriage Court of Grove City where he continues to get specialized care while Wendy remains closely involved in his daily life and ongoing care decisions..

According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, often balancing significant emotional, physical and financial responsibilities.

"Wendy's story represents the quiet heroism we see in family caregivers every day," Bogard said. "These individuals often put their own lives on hold because someone they love needs them. They deserve our appreciation, support and recognition."

As her father's care needs continue to change, Whitten hopes to transition him into a memory care community where he can receive specialized support, allowing her to begin rebuilding the life she placed on hold while continuing to be an active part of his care journey.

For more information about Assisted Living Locators of East Columbus, visit https://eastcolumbus.assistedlivinglocators.com/or call 614-636-4905.

About Assisted Living Locators of East Columbus

Assisted Living Locators of East Columbus provides a no-cost senior placement and care navigation service, helping families evaluate assisted living, memory care and other senior housing options. Owner Miriam Bogard works closely with families to provide personalized guidance and trusted local expertise throughout the aging journey.