Category: Dementia
Dementia is close to my heart as my Dad (Robert) has the disease. He was diagnosed about 4 years ago and is now living in the Memory Support Unit of a Nursing Home. I visit him most mornings and shower and dress him and do whatever is required. I also run the ‘Men’s Group’ which consists of up to 6 male residents who I try and engage and entertain every thursday afternoon. This blog taps into the funny events that happen each day, as well as the sad. Either way, I will bring you a ‘down to earth’ account of what it is like to deal with Dementia.
I’ve Bitten The Bullet…
Today I made the life changing decision to go to Uni (while still working). This is one thing I never thought I would be saying, as ‘Partingtons’ & ‘Universities’ are normally natural enemies. I will be studying ‘Dementia Care’ (online via University of Tasmania) and hoping in the future to be one of Australia’s leading dementia care trainers and advocates. Considering I can’t stay awake long enough to read a newspaper, I have a lotta work to do. 🙂 I hope the course is a lot easier than the enrolment…
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The Dementia Rollercoaster – Who’s With Me?
The Dementia Rollercoaster is certainly not one for the faint hearted. Sometimes it’s scary, sometimes it’s not that bad. You never know what’s around the corner unless you ride it regularly. The more you take on the twists and turns the better you get at handling them. There are times of exhilaration and absolute joy but can soon be followed by terror and breathtaking moments. Everyone is scared of a new rollercoaster, as fear of the unknown is a powerful concept. You will be proud that you had the courage…
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Wow!..This Dementia Journey is Bizarre
Spent the day filming a documentary style promotional video for our aged care facility. It involved interacting with residents ( who were awesome) and carers/nurses (superb), voiceovers and script construction. I certainly won’t become an actor, but was a great experience. Let’s hope the final product turns out. I won’t wait by the phone for my ‘hollywood’ call-up:-) This is dementia…
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Aged Care Home Video – ‘Bob’s Journey’
Late in 2015 we were asked by Eldercare to be the face of their latest campaign. The video was shot in 4 hours and was on a day when Dad was struggling, however he managed to hold things together. Mum turned up in the middle of the shoot and ended up in the final cut. A great memory of Bob’s time in his nursing home.
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Feisty Fred – Shooting from the Hip
MORE QUOTES FROM FRED ( the 94 yo grumpy bastard with dementia at the nursing home) Brett: How ya going today Fred? Fred: Up the sh*t if you really wanna know! Fred: that woman over there is the most hated woman in this place. I am going to go over and shoot her in the face one day! Brett: How ya going today Fred? Fred: Not good at all. I am feeling crook. I am dizzy and I feel like I am swimming in a pool of shit Fred: she is…
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Dad Goes Back to the RAH
I used to collect stickers when I was a kid. This is one sticker you DON’T want in your collection. The Emergency Department (ED) at RAH is one of the most stressful, yet amazing and action packed workplaces I have ever seen. Unfortunately Dad is now in the RAH after a very traumatic week. You never know what is gonna happen with Dementia and this week is no exception. Bravo to nurses, carers, docs and everyone who has been helping us….you are our heroes. This is Dementia….
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My Daily Dose of Dementia
My Dad’s Aged Care home is a place that takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. Each day I could be sad, frustrated, shocked, challenged, inspired, mad, happy, excited, overwhelmed and so much more. People pass away each week, others lose more of their memory, and a lotta sad stuff happens. But what you may not know is a lotta funny stuff happens each day, and I am in stitches most of the time. I thought I would share some of the conversations I have and hear each day: *Martha…
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My New ‘Dementia Adventure’
Today I am 47! I wanted to give myself a birthday present by taking this opportunity to thank YOU (all my friends, family and colleagues) for your support during a pretty tough year for the Partingtons. It has been really comforting and therapeutic to be able to ‘share stuff’ with such a caring and open minded audience. As many of you know, I have poured out my entire life via Facebook (and my blog) over the last 12 months. I have tried to keep things real, make you laugh, make…
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