Monistrol-sur-Loire. A coffee break to relieve family caregivers: "We come here to recharge our batteries"

From the pocket of his mouse-gray jacket, Jean pulls a small, grained leather notebook. "On Thursdays, the pages are riddled with appointments," the retiree murmurs, almost as an apology, as he flips through the bright red notebook. On the page for May 15th, there's his visit to the ophthalmologist. Also the fuel delivery. But he's also written "caregiver break." For ten years, the word "caregiver" has stuck with him. "Since the doctors announced the diagnosis: Jacqueline, my wife, has Alzheimer's." Year after year, the disease has gained ground in the lives of the two San-Palous. "Today, she no longer speaks, no longer walks, doesn't eat alone, doesn't lie down alone. I simply can't be away."

Except for Thursdays, the only day of the week when Jacqueline is entrusted to the Tence day care center. "It's my day off," the retiree says, taking a sip of an espresso...

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