For 15 years Jack Pal and his wife Pat, now 79 and 78 respectively, hiked the desert trails in Arizona every winter. And even walked more than 25 km. in one day during a trip to Europe in 2018.
Shortly after that trip, Pat gradually started to need more breaks on their walks and hikes, and chose easier hikes. About the same time, she got a cough that would not go away.
After a fall during a fitness class, she had some follow-up tests, including a lung CT. “Ground glass” showed up on the CT and after a lung biopsy, Pat was diagnosed with IPF in June 2022, in London, Ontario.
“We’ve had to make some changes,” says Jack. The couple moved from a five-level home on the lake just four km. south of Bayfield, Ontario into a freehold townhouse in town. “The snow gets shovelled and the grass is cut for us at our new place, reducing our maintenance work,” he says.
Jack now does most of the housework, since Pat is on oxygen therapy most of the time. There are some tasks she is clearly still able to do and still wants to, like the laundry. Although Jack makes up the bed with the clean sheets.
Each morning, Jack makes them both a high-protein smoothie for breakfast. They will go out for short walks together when the weather is conducive, using her walker and oxygen tank. He has found their oxygen supplier excellent, giving them all the tanks they need in the house, as well as to get out to walk, shop, or to medical appointments. It’s about an hour drive from Bayfield to London.
“Pat is fairly private about her illness,” says Jack, “and she’s always been more introverted than me. She’s a voracious reader, which provides her with meaningful mental stimulus and an “escape.” She still wants to continue to do the things she can do as long as possible.”
Jack is still very active, physically and socially. He walks their standard poodle Bailey, six to 10 km. each day and joins community walks with others on a regular basis. He also volunteers with about six local organizations. “Although, I’m starting to cut back on these a bit.” He also cycles and enjoys nature photography.
Asked what advice he would give to others beginning this PF caregiving journey, Jack says: “I’m still just at the beginning of this journey and have a lot to learn. Get yourself informed; listen; do what you can to help, but, don’t push it. It’s a fine line between caring for someone and doing everything for them. Communication and understanding are key.”
As for taking care of yourself, Jack encourages caregivers to “stay as fit and active as your own health permits. And pursue your own interests and stay socially engaged. Although you may want to avoid larger indoor gatherings to prevent bringing illness home.”
Jack has also found the CPFF Caregivers Support Group to be very helpful. “Everyone is very empathetic and the facilitators are great. Overall, I think the CPFF is doing good stuff.”