Now there's only one of me
Photographed at the inaugural Montana Photo Workshop
Edited by Lisa Krantz and Eli Imadali
Dick and Jean Snyder moved into an assisted living facility in Missoula, MT shortly after Jean was diagnosed with cancer.
Their move to the facility was unexpected. They had been enjoying their retirement in Polson, MT; first drawn to the scenic beauty of the area when Dick was stationed in Missoula with the U.S. Forest Service. As they got older, they planned on moving to Western Washington, where they could enjoy milder weather and be closer to family. Jean's diagnosis and subsequent need for care forced them to abandon their moving plans and quickly find a facility where Jean could receive the care she needed.
In August, Jean passed away.
Dick had never planned on spending his retirement in an assisted living facility. His vision for retirement was to spend his days hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors.
After Jean's passing, Dick was left grappling with questions about his own future, independence, and care.
More than 800,000 adults live in assisted living in the U.S., the majority of them are seniors. Those individuals and their families are tasked with navigating the complex emotional and financial realities of aging and elder care. Aging is a universal experience, but when it comes to these questions, there are no easy answers.