\u201cIt meant a lot,\u201d Frank said. \u201cHolidays aren\u2019t the same anymore. But Concordia made it special.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Frank and Connie, love has endured through nearly five decades of marriage, raising three children and navigating life\u2019s unexpected turns. Today, that love looks different \u2013 shaped by caregiving and the daily decision to keep moving forward together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Love Story That Began with a Drum Corps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFrank met Connie when she was a majorette in a Moose Lodge Legion Lanters baton corps. He was the bus driver for the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/10\/Connie-majorette-768x1024-1.jpg\")
Connie as a majorette<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cOne thing turned into another,\u201d he said with a smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They married and started a life together, eventually moving to Virginia for 36 years while building their careers and raising their children \u2013 Stacy, Rebecca and their son Timothy, who has Down syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Connie had a successful career as a vice president of a mortgage company. Frank worked as a regional consultant in the healthcare industry, traveling the East Coast conducting inspections for long-term care facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/10\/Family-768x1024-1.jpg\")
The Zielinksi family<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAfter decades away, they returned to Pennsylvania to help care for Connie\u2019s parents, who both had dementia. Her father has since passed, but her mother lives at Concordia\u2019s standalone memory care facility, Concordia of Fox Chapel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThen, in 2018, their lives changed when Connie was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer\u2019s disease at age 59.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt just hits,\u201d Frank said. \u201cYou think everything\u2019s going to be fine. Your kids are grown and gone. And then all of a sudden, life changes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related: The Stages of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease: What to Expect and How Memory Care Can Help<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen Love Becomes Caregiving<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nToday, Frank is Connie\u2019s primary caregiver. He also supports Timothy, who lives at home and, at 45, is high functioning and independent in many ways. Still, managing a household where two family members require varying levels of support takes patience and structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/10\/Connie-camping-edited-2-scaled-1.jpg\")
Connie on a family camping trip in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFrank wakes early for a quiet cup of coffee before the day begins. By midmorning, he is helping Connie dress, bathe and start her routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cProbably the hardest part is having a 67-year-old spouse who relates to an 8-year-old child,\u201d he said. \u201cYou can\u2019t remember how it used to be. You have to deal with what\u2019s happening now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alzheimer\u2019s has changed their conversations and their everyday interactions, like many families who face forms of dementia. Loved ones are still physically present, but the relationship shifts in ways that are difficult to explain to those who have not experienced it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Frank offers simple advice to other caregivers navigating a new diagnosis: \u201cDon\u2019t get frustrated. You have to have patience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finding Support Through Adult Day Services<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAbout a year ago, Frank began researching options that would give Connie social interaction in a safe, structured setting while also giving him peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI knew she needed something to keep her active and social,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His search led him to Concordia at Cabot\u2019s Adult Day Services program. Licensed by the Department of Aging, the program provides a safe and secure environment for adults with physical limitations or diminished reasoning skills, including Alzheimer\u2019s-type diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Participants benefit from ongoing evaluations, medical oversight by an on-site nurse, nutritious meals and snacks, daily activities and exercise classes and more. A variety of therapies designed specifically for individuals with Alzheimer\u2019s are also incorporated into the routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related: How Concordia\u2019s Adult Day Services Make a Difference<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nFrank and Connie toured the program together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEver since then, she just loves it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/10\/IMG_4425-1-1024x768-1.jpeg\")
Connie and other Adult Day Services clients watch a martial arts demonstration<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nConnie now attends Adult Day Services on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When Frank talks to her about going, he frames it simply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI tell her she\u2019s going to see her friends and have lunch,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When they walk through the doors, staff greet her warmly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey all say, \u2018Connie!\u2019 and she lights up,\u201d Frank said. \u201cThat makes me feel good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Connie, the program provides stimulation, activity and connection. She loves to dance \u2013 a passion that dates back to her days as a majorette \u2013 and staff make sure she has opportunities to move and enjoy music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even after breaking her femur over Christmas and receiving Concordia\u2019s short-term rehabilitation care<\/a>, Connie returned to dancing when she heard live music in the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cShe\u2019s dancing down the hall,\u201d Frank recalled. \u201cI said, \u2018You have three pins in your hip.\u2019 But she loves it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/10\/IMG_4512-edited-2-scaled-1.jpeg\")
Connie dancing with other Adult Day Services clients and staff<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFor Frank, Adult Day Services provides something equally important: peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a safe environment,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t have to worry about her falling or tripping. It gives me time to schedule my doctor\u2019s appointments, go to the grocery store and take care of things I need to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adult Day Services also supports caregivers directly. Specialists are available for consultation, and a free Caregiver Support Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. at Concordia at Cabot. The group is open to the community and offers encouragement and shared experience for those caring for loved ones with dementia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For many families, programs like Adult Day Services serve as essential respite care \u2013 helping caregivers sustain their own health while keeping loved ones safe, engaged and active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Quiet Valentine\u2019s Moment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThat is why the Valentine\u2019s dinner meant so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the middle of medical routines and daily structure, Frank and Connie were able to sit together at a candlelit table, just the two of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt made me feel good,\u201d Frank said. \u201cThey treat her so nice at Concordia.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/10\/fnc1-1024x771-1.jpg\")
Frank and Connie at their Valentine’s Day dinner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAlzheimer\u2019s has changed what holidays look like in their home. Frank still decorates because Connie always did. He still marks special occasions for Timothy. But he admits it feels different now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just another day sometimes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still, the love that began nearly five decades ago remains. Frank is committed to keeping Connie at home for as long as possible, supported by services that help her continue living a meaningful life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI want her to live a substantial life,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You Don\u2019t Have to Do This Alone<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCaring for a spouse with Alzheimer\u2019s can feel isolating, overwhelming and emotionally complex. But families in Cabot and surrounding communities have options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Concordia offers inpatient memory care services at five locations: Concordia at Arbutus Park<\/a>, Concordia of Bridgeville<\/a>, Concordia of Fox Chapel<\/a>, Concordia at Villa St. Joseph<\/a> and Concordia of the South Hills<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOne thing turned into another,\u201d he said with a smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They married and started a life together, eventually moving to Virginia for 36 years while building their careers and raising their children \u2013 Stacy, Rebecca and their son Timothy, who has Down syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Connie had a successful career as a vice president of a mortgage company. Frank worked as a regional consultant in the healthcare industry, traveling the East Coast conducting inspections for long-term care facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After decades away, they returned to Pennsylvania to help care for Connie\u2019s parents, who both had dementia. Her father has since passed, but her mother lives at Concordia\u2019s standalone memory care facility, Concordia of Fox Chapel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, in 2018, their lives changed when Connie was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer\u2019s disease at age 59.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt just hits,\u201d Frank said. \u201cYou think everything\u2019s going to be fine. Your kids are grown and gone. And then all of a sudden, life changes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related: The Stages of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease: What to Expect and How Memory Care Can Help<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, Frank is Connie\u2019s primary caregiver. He also supports Timothy, who lives at home and, at 45, is high functioning and independent in many ways. Still, managing a household where two family members require varying levels of support takes patience and structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frank wakes early for a quiet cup of coffee before the day begins. By midmorning, he is helping Connie dress, bathe and start her routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cProbably the hardest part is having a 67-year-old spouse who relates to an 8-year-old child,\u201d he said. \u201cYou can\u2019t remember how it used to be. You have to deal with what\u2019s happening now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alzheimer\u2019s has changed their conversations and their everyday interactions, like many families who face forms of dementia. Loved ones are still physically present, but the relationship shifts in ways that are difficult to explain to those who have not experienced it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frank offers simple advice to other caregivers navigating a new diagnosis: \u201cDon\u2019t get frustrated. You have to have patience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n About a year ago, Frank began researching options that would give Connie social interaction in a safe, structured setting while also giving him peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI knew she needed something to keep her active and social,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His search led him to Concordia at Cabot\u2019s Adult Day Services program. Licensed by the Department of Aging, the program provides a safe and secure environment for adults with physical limitations or diminished reasoning skills, including Alzheimer\u2019s-type diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Participants benefit from ongoing evaluations, medical oversight by an on-site nurse, nutritious meals and snacks, daily activities and exercise classes and more. A variety of therapies designed specifically for individuals with Alzheimer\u2019s are also incorporated into the routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related: How Concordia\u2019s Adult Day Services Make a Difference<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Frank and Connie toured the program together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEver since then, she just loves it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Connie now attends Adult Day Services on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When Frank talks to her about going, he frames it simply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI tell her she\u2019s going to see her friends and have lunch,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When they walk through the doors, staff greet her warmly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey all say, \u2018Connie!\u2019 and she lights up,\u201d Frank said. \u201cThat makes me feel good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Connie, the program provides stimulation, activity and connection. She loves to dance \u2013 a passion that dates back to her days as a majorette \u2013 and staff make sure she has opportunities to move and enjoy music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even after breaking her femur over Christmas and receiving Concordia\u2019s short-term rehabilitation care<\/a>, Connie returned to dancing when she heard live music in the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe\u2019s dancing down the hall,\u201d Frank recalled. \u201cI said, \u2018You have three pins in your hip.\u2019 But she loves it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Frank, Adult Day Services provides something equally important: peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s a safe environment,\u201d he said. \u201cI don\u2019t have to worry about her falling or tripping. It gives me time to schedule my doctor\u2019s appointments, go to the grocery store and take care of things I need to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adult Day Services also supports caregivers directly. Specialists are available for consultation, and a free Caregiver Support Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. at Concordia at Cabot. The group is open to the community and offers encouragement and shared experience for those caring for loved ones with dementia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many families, programs like Adult Day Services serve as essential respite care \u2013 helping caregivers sustain their own health while keeping loved ones safe, engaged and active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is why the Valentine\u2019s dinner meant so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the middle of medical routines and daily structure, Frank and Connie were able to sit together at a candlelit table, just the two of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt made me feel good,\u201d Frank said. \u201cThey treat her so nice at Concordia.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alzheimer\u2019s has changed what holidays look like in their home. Frank still decorates because Connie always did. He still marks special occasions for Timothy. But he admits it feels different now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s just another day sometimes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, the love that began nearly five decades ago remains. Frank is committed to keeping Connie at home for as long as possible, supported by services that help her continue living a meaningful life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI want her to live a substantial life,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Caring for a spouse with Alzheimer\u2019s can feel isolating, overwhelming and emotionally complex. But families in Cabot and surrounding communities have options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Concordia offers inpatient memory care services at five locations: Concordia at Arbutus Park<\/a>, Concordia of Bridgeville<\/a>, Concordia of Fox Chapel<\/a>, Concordia at Villa St. Joseph<\/a> and Concordia of the South Hills<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen Love Becomes Caregiving<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Finding Support Through Adult Day Services<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A Quiet Valentine\u2019s Moment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You Don\u2019t Have to Do This Alone<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n