AVON, Ind. -- An avid Indianapolis 500 racing fan has passed away at the age of 69.
Leroy Bartlett was featured in a recent Call 6 Investigation about the rising costs of caring for an aging loved one.
CALL 6 | 800K Hoosiers act as Caregivers
Bartlett’s daughter, Candice Cheek, made a promise to her dad to never send him to a nursing home.
With Cheek’s help, Bartlett was able to stay in his home after suffering several strokes.
As his condition declined, Cheek moved her father in with her family.
Cheek’s story touched many people, as she juggled caring for her aging father, her own children, and working full time as a social worker.
According to AARP, more than 840,000 people across Indiana serve as caregivers, whether it be to a sick or injured spouse, or to an aging loved one.
Leroy Bartlett died August 11 at home with his family, according to his obituary.
Bartlett attended the Indianapolis 500 46 years in a row, always dressed in black and white.
Bartlett retired from Allison after 40 years of service and took a position at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway driving a tour bus.
A celebration of life and funeral will be held on Thursday.
RESOURCES:
CAREGIVING (General)
- National Alliance for Caregiving
- Today’s Caregiver (This is a magazine that also publishes a free weekly e-newsletter entitled the Fearless Caregiver. Sign up for either pub online. Both resources are very good and very current, with a lot of idea sharing from other caregivers as well as professionals.)
- Family Caregiver Alliance
- National Family Caregivers Assn.
- National Caregivers Library
- The Well Spouse Foundation
