Forgotten memories

Photography project about Carlos and Maria Ines, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease for more than 12 years, and their journey of the daily routine, often with a lot of sacrifice, physical and psychological fatigue. Despite this, the deep love of Carlos for his wife allowed him to keep taking care of her until the day she died in 2020.

Carlos took care of María Inés, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease, for more than 12 years, their everyday routine is portrayed through these stills, as despite all the years that passed their scenario and routine remained always the same. Unfortunately in Chile, place where they both lived, does not offer help for grandparents and even less for people who suffer from Alzheimer or mental illnesses. If people want to be cared for in a dignified and reliable way, they have to pay a lot of money. This reality is unfortunate, as many grandparents suffer and in many cases the family does not know what to do, as they have no other option of care homes, this is the reason why Carlos decided to take care of his wife in their own home.

When I started this photographic project I never thought of making it visible, as I started it due to the love I have for Carlos and María Inés, because they are my parents. To portray my mother was very painful, to see her in that way, without being able to remember anything or recognise anyone. There are many mixed feelings, a lot of sadness and despair, but sometimes a lot of joy as well, seeing them together and seeing her very well cared by him. This made me want to portray them, their daily life, their tiring routine since it really is a day to day routine of a lot of effort, sacrifice, physical and psychological fatigue.

How the love that Carlos feels, gives him the strength to face this crushing reality on a daily basis, because there are some days where he feels sad and depressed; his health has also deteriorated. But finally his great love gave him strength and joy to continue taking care of her until the day she died in 2020.