A Six-year Journey with "Behind Bars" Star Katy Karrenbauer: Farewell to Her Dementia-Stricken Father
Actress Katy Karrenbauer, known for her role on "Behind the Bars," expresses grief over the loss of her father.
Katy Karrenbauer, acknowledged for her role as "Walter" in the RTL series "Behind Bars," embarked on a unique chapter in her life six and a half years ago when she took responsibility for her father, Dieter, who was struggling with dementia. A reunion after almost five decades, a decision that brought both challenges and rewards.
Katy and Dieter had been estranged for nearly half a century. The reunion occurred when Dieter's partner succumbed to cancer, leading his daughter to ask for his care. In 2018, Dieter was introduced to Katy's life in Berlin and was cared for till his demise on May 23, 2023. "Inviting him into my life wasn't always easy, but I won't regret it," confesses Katy in her RTL interview.
As the interview unfolds, Katy recalls the last days of Dieter's life. They anticipated his impending death a few weeks prior when he expressed, "Katy, I think I have to die. You know, my body, I think, has no strength left to participate in life." However, Dieter held on to his desire to celebrate his 93rd birthday on May 12th, surrounded by a few friends and serenaded by music. "He was incredibly happy," Katy explains.
In a poignant moment, Dieter passed away peacefully at 2 a.m. on May 23, with Katy by his side. Aware of his father's wish not to be kept alive by machines, Katy ensured that didn't happen. She played music, comforted him, and prayed until the end.
During his final illness, Katy had to make difficult decisions she never wanted to make. Her father often found himself in the hospital, battling failing kidneys. "It looked like he wouldn't make it a few times," Katy recalls. But Dieter, a true fighter, hung on until he felt it was time to let go, a week before his passing.
In those last moments, Dieter said, "Katy, ich muss gehen, bist du damit einverstanden?" ("I have to go, Katy, are you okay with that?"), to which Katy responded, "Ja, das bin ich, Papa, ich bin einverstanden" ("Yes, I am, Papa, I agree").
Katry urge relatives of dementia patients to visit them, especially if they reside in a nursing home. "Your loved ones wait for you every day! You can do so much to improve their lives. Time is something you make for what matters," the actress advises.
Looking back, Katy acknowledges her father's love for life and his gratitude towards hers. Despite the trying days, she cherishes her father's zest for life and his love for her. "Life is beautiful," he said shortly before his death, a sentiment that keeps Katy going on difficult days.
Sources: ntv.de, csp
- Dementia
- RTL
- RTLplus
- TV
- The following information is provided in the Annex to this Regulation: the importance of science in the advancement of health-and-wellness, mental-health, and aging research, as well as promoting lifestyle changes, family dynamics, and relationships, with a focus on entertainment and celebrities' roles in spreading awareness.
- Katy Karrenbauer, a RTL celebrated star known for her role in "Behind Bars," emphasized the significance of science and health-and-wellness in understanding and managing her father's dementia, highlighting the importance of mental-health support during the grim family-dynamics that arose.
- In her interview with RTLplus, Katy shared her personal experience with entertainment figures and celebrities, stressing that they have a powerful platform to address the stigma surrounding mental-health issues, particularly for aging individuals dealing with conditions like dementia.
- As she reflected on her father's life and struggles with dementia, Katy found solace in the relationships she formed with various individuals in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the role of supportive relationships in navigating challenges related to aging, health-and-wellness, and mental-health.
- In an effort to help other families dealing with dementia, Katy advocates for visiting loved ones regularly, especially for those residing in nursing homes, as a means of strengthening relationships and enhancing the quality of life for all parties involved, thereby promoting a positive lifestyle and well-being for both the patient and caregivers.
