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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.

Dementia Family 

Save the Last Dance for Me

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  Young newlyweds Shani and Earl broke from tradition and made the effort to visit Dad’s nursing home (in their wedding clothes) the day after their wedding for a very special dance with Dad. This very intimate moment made a lasting impression on the Mother’s Day of the Partington, Gusscott and Dansie families and did not leave a dry eye in the house. This once in a lifetime event also touched the hearts of over 30 residents and carers having their lunch. Not many things can distract the residents from…

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Dementia 

What I Learnt About Elderly Women Today. . .

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        Today I went to visit my Dad at his nursing home and I came across a normally bubbly English lady slumped across a piano. She was sad and crying so I sat next to her on the stool and asked what was wrong. she said ” Do I stink?” I said ” Of course you don’t!” She then said “Everyone thinks I do”. I then changed the subject and asked her to tell me a poem – which she rattled off with ease. We then played…

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Dementia 

Men’s Group – Bob Proves To Be A ‘Chip’ Off The ‘Ol Block

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Men’s Group Update – Toy Car Project Completed! ( 5 weeks) I turned my back to pour some drinks for the residents only to find one member using different wheels to the rest. This car only had 2 wheels as Dad was hungry:-) Dad got hold of the Pringles and created his own custom made toy car. This is obviously why I am not handy either. This is Dementia…

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Dementia 

A Speech that left us Speechless

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  I was totally moved recently by an 80 year old man with Dementia called David. 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. David pushed back his chair, stood up, and then loudly addressed the room. ” Excuse me everyone, my name is David for those…

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Dementia 

Feel Good Moment

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Just had my nursing home ‘Feel Good’ moment for the week. A very kind country farmer named Jim came up to me and apologised to me for not attending my Men’s Group activity recently. I explained to him that we did not have a session last week as I was at the Field Days in Karoonda. He then said “Oh…ok then..I wasn’t actually worried about missing the activity, I just wanted to make sure my relationship with you is all ok”. Awwwwww……:-) This is Dementia

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