They can be good one day, but the next they can go into a downward spiral and can have one, two or sometimes three days in bed.
The carer’s role is checking on them — making sure they are okay.
You have to make sure they keep up their fluids and food intake, but sometimes this can be very challenging as you don’t know what they have consumed.
You become their carer, a maintenance worker, and all the other roles your partner was for themselves before being diagnosed with dementia.
You gain knowledge but lose your partner’s help.
It can be lonely at times as they cannot talk like they did in the past, and they lose the marital role as your spouse.
It’s a tough journey, and you need to keep a positive mind and take it day by day as each day is different.
You try to understand them, and what they are feeling; but unless you are in their shoes you can’t understand their thoughts.
I have learnt to be patient and wait for the response to what is trying to be expressed, which becomes frustrating for both parties.
I think keeping occupied has played a huge part in keeping my partner and the dementia from progressing faster.
If the dementia was diagnosed earlier, the impact of failing brain cells could’ve been slowed.
Maybe not for all cases — but certainly it has helped my partner.
I find it’s not just dementia, but all the illnesses that follow any auto-immune disease.
The appointments can be a big strain on you too, whether it is for dementia or whatever else is breaking down with this illness.
The most disappointing thing I have found is that family and friends tend to drop off when their loved ones have dementia. They don’t realise that the person they knew or know is still there.
The less contact they have, the faster they forget the face.
That little bit of help from family and friends would have a huge impact for carers and the partner who is living with dementia. If not for local services, I don’t know how we could ever cope.
Having a pet in your life becomes a huge benefit too. They are good at listening and can be a friend in a time of need.
– Carmel Simpson
For local help in Kyabram, please ring Kyabram Community and Learning Centre on 5852 0000 or the 24-hour Australia-wide Dementia Australia Hotline on 1800 100 500.
16°C