Category Archives: Awareness & Activism

The unusual circumstances surrounding the deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife serve as a stark reminder of what can happen when a spouse who also is the primary caregiver of a spouse with Alzheimer’s dies before their loved one.

Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who at 65 was 30 years his junior, were found deceased in their secluded Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Feb. 26. A pest control worker alerted security for the gated community in which the couple lived after showing up to provide service but not receiving a response, KRQE reported. Upon investigating, the security officer found the bodies and contacted authorities.

An autopsy revealed that Arakawa died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome around Feb. 11, KRQE reported. Since my parents retired to New Mexico, I was aware of hantavirus, which is rare, with most cases appearing in the southwestern part of the U.S.

Hackman, 95, died of heart disease with complications of what the medical examiner noted as an “advanced state of Alzheimer’s disease.” He’s believed to have died on Feb. 18, when the last activity on his pacemaker was recorded. That means authorities believe Hackman could have spent up to a week alive after his wife died. We will likely never know the details of those days, and whether Hackman realized his wife was deceased or whether Hackman’s cognitive decline may have prevented him from understanding the dire situation.

In addition to the couple, one of their dogs died, while two were found alive. The deceased dog was found in a crate near Arakawa’s body. Veterinary records show that the dog had undergone a recent medical procedure, which likely was the reason it was confined to the crate, authorities said.

Such a tragic ending is a sobering reminder for those who serve as the sole caregiver for a spouse or other relative with a condition like Alzheimer’s in which the care recipient may not be able to call for help or care for themselves in the case of a medical emergency involving the caregiver. By all accounts from friends of the couple, Arakawa closely managed Hackman’s health. As his Alzheimer’s progressed, he likely became even more dependent upon her guidance.

Some have questioned why Hackman didn’t have a professional caregiver, or even a live-in care provider, as he likely could have afforded such a service. It seems Hackman and his wife enjoyed their privacy, and with Arakawa considerably younger than Hackman, and very capable of managing his care, outside help may have felt intrusive and unnecessary. As those of us who have cared for loved ones know, bringing in external help can be upsetting and disruptive to those with Alzheimer’s, as they thrive on routine and familiarity.

What can caregivers do if they find themselves in a similar situation? Having a plan in place to account for a caregiver’s acute health crisis is vital. Share a document with family that includes key health information, current prescriptions, etc. Technology can help; there are numerous medical alert systems available which can call for help with a click of a button or can sense when someone has fallen and automatically send help. My mother found such medical alert services useful as she lived alone. Having a trusted friend or relative who can serve as a check-in buddy can be helpful. Over the last year or so of my mother’s life, we spoke almost daily, which allowed me to assess her wellbeing in addition to offering social connection.

If you have a loved one that you haven’t heard from in awhile, don’t hesitate to check on them.