The Projector: A Grand-Nephew’s Love For Auntie Dorothy

A photo collage in Dorothy Meadows’ Punchbowl apartment includes images of her late husband, Walt Meadows. The two would sit and hold hands every day — he’d even kiss her hand before leaving to go the bathroom, says grand-nephew Eugene Hopkins.

Dorothy, 97, has dementia. She arises each day about 11 a.m. ready to stretch her legs with the help of one of her three caregivers. One of them is her grand-nephew, Eugene Hopkins, 42.

Eugene is her primary caregiver and is with her several days a week. He starts her day by massaging her feet.

When it’s time for her to get out of bed, Eugene’s bellowing voice and humorous candor propel her as much as his helping hands.

He helps her walk to the bathroom, where he gets her cleaned up for breakfast. Dorothy has some arthritis in her lower back, but no other physical problems.

Breakfast comes in a bowl, psyllium mixed with water and topped off with four Vienna sausages pureed by Eugene with a hand blender.

Dorothy’s view of her daily breakfast concoction.

Eugene serves up the psyllium/sausage puree …

… finishing with a napkin and a question: “Hey Auntie, you want a kiss?”

Dorothy enjoys a laugh as Eugene clowns around. His antics often elicit a nod and a tooth-free smile from her.

She goes in and out of sleep frequently, and sometimes naps with her eyes open.

Nov. 5, 2015: Auntie Dorothy rests on her bed before starting her day with Eugene.