Gene Hackman’s cause of death revealed to be heart disease with his Alzheimer’s listed as a contributing factor. .
His wife (and caregiver) Betsy Arakawa, died of hantavirus a week prior. It’s a rare airborne illness spread through rodent feces.
Hackman was alone in the house for a week with his wife’s dead body.
We may never know exactly what happened in the days leading up to her death, but this is an important reminder that caregivers often need care themselves
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is more than a full time job, and it’s possible she didn’t get the timely medical care she needed because she was putting his needs before her own
Caregivers deserve to be recognized and supported, and they should always have respite care available
If you know someone providing full time care, reach out to them. Ask them how they’re doing or if you can support them in any way.
Even giving them an hour of rest and recovery can make a world of difference
https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/gene-hackman-death-update-1.7478165
