‘The Lodge’ Re-development was officially opened recently. Watch the highlights from the day. This event was beamed live to other Eldercare sites and most importantly into the Memory Support Unit of The Lodge so residents and staff could be part of the day.
A 10 Minute presentation on the dementia rollercoaster journey Bob Partington was on over the last 10 years. His story was extreme and this presentation highlights the shortfalls in the acute care system and the power of the family perspective.This presentation was at ‘The Pavilion’ in the Adelaide Parklands to 80 doctors and medical clinicians.
This video is my first presentation on dementia for Alzheimer’s Australia. I give a ‘warts ‘n’all’ account of our journey with dementia. It is graphic & confronting, but it had to be said. I was ‘completely cooked’ after the presentation. I was also involved in a panel discussion with Gill Ayling (Dementia Champion – UK), Ian Gladstone & Tim Wallace. My speech starts at the 16.35 min mark.
*Thanks to Alzheimers Australia SA for the opportunity to tell my story at this event.
Had my first dementia speech ( as a carer) this afternoon with this fantastic group of carers. They were a great audience who gave me some real perspective on how difficult their roles can be. Carers that help out families at home are at a great disadvantage as they do have the support of a registered nurse on hand, they have very little idea on what medications are being taken (if taken at all). There is also the family dynamic that comes into play where the son or daughter or spouse may want certain instructions carried out, and the person with dementia may have different ideas.
It was awesome to tell “My Story” to a really engaged group. Hopefully the word spreads about ‘Dementia Downunder’ and people can interact and learn from each other.
A very touching speech was delivered by Don ( the Director of FHSS) about his times spent with Dad ( Bob). It was fabulous to hear the positive effect Dad has on all around him and I was humbled by Don’s kind words.
A great experience , and I hope to present to them again one day with more tips on dementia. Next time I look forward to hearing their stories and working on some positive solutions.
I was totally moved recently by an 80 year old man with Dementia called Duncan. In the middle of a recent lunchtime in the dining room at the aged care home, he stood up in front of 40 other residents and carers, as he had something very important to say. Pots were clanging, people were talking and the ambience of the room was busy and stressful. Duncanpushed back his chair, stood up, and then loudly addressed the room.
” Excuse me everyone, my name is Duncan for those that don’t know me, and I have something important to say…”.
Duncan then delivered an impromptu speech, which was one of the most powerful & heartfelt speeches I have heard. Duncan silenced the room as he emotionally pleaded for someone to come forward with some ideas on how he can find his wife who was lost. He would accept any idea, no matter how silly, rude or crude ( his words) as any idea would be a good one as he was desperate. He told us where he last saw Ruby, and that he needed to find her as she would be missing him greatly.
After two minutes of Duncan telling us about his love for his wife Ruby, he thanked everyone for listening, burst into tears and sat down. The entire room was in shock and no one knew what to do….there is nothing in the care manual that says how to handle such a situation.We all wanted to help him and come up with an idea to find her.
The nurses weren’t sure whether Duncan needed further medication to calm him down, the carers did not know whether to give him a hug and comfort him, or tell him to be quiet and finish his meal.
It was an awkward silence that left everyone speechless.
The saddest part about Duncan’s story is that Ruby will never be found as she died 12 years ago. This is the toughest decision in Dementia….do you tell the person with Dementia the truth that a loved one has passed away, and crush their hopes and reason for themselves living? Or do you tell a white lie and give them hope of one day reuniting with their loved one?
This is Dementia….
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