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

Dementia & Dad – The setbacks continue

January 17, 2015July 6, 2016 Brettdad, decline, definition, dementia, dressing2 Comments

Having further setbacks with Dad now which I thought I would share with friends. I have been away for a week and the changes are quite noticeable. Dad still remembers my name and lights up when I visit him each day. However I wanted to give you all some insight as to the daily struggles we are having with his dementia which is something rarely talked about. Tonight I went to see him with the aim of getting him ready for bed. When I arrived at the Memory Support…

Dementia

Dementia Does Not Discriminate

January 8, 2015July 6, 2016 Brettalzheimers, Bob, Brett, dementia0 comment

This post is not funny, clever, or witty (not that my others are either! lol) and probably won’t appeal to many of you, but it is sincere. As promised, I said I would pass on things about dementia as I learnt about them, and if nothing else, Dad and I have hopefully helped others by raising awareness of Alzheimers and of the challenges we face as a family. We are not looking for sympathy, we just want to make a difference and educate others. Dad has degraded in recent months…

Alzheimers Australia – Memory Walk 2014

December 8, 2014 Brettalzheimers, memory walk, zoo0 comment

The Partingtons do the zoo! The entire family volunteered to help with the Memory Walk for Alzheimers Australia. Highlight: Watching two fat lazy pandas called Funi & Wang Wang sleep in their lavish playboy mansion. Two animals kicking back in luxurious surroundings complete with solar cooled rocks. Please!…. What spoilt little bears……they could have at least moved for us!:)

Dementia

David’s Speech Stirs the Emotions

November 12, 2014July 5, 2016 Brettalzheimers, David, dementia, lodge, speech, wife0 comment

I was totally inspired recently by a 75 year old man with dementia called David who in the middle of yesterday’s lunch at the aged care home, 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 projected his voice over the din ” Excuse Me everyone my name is David for those that don’t know me,…

Music is the Best Medicine

November 8, 2014 Brettcd's, dementia, meals, music0 comment

Feeling good about staying up all night to create a set of ‘meal time’ CD’s to cater for the elderly in aged care homes. Meal times are the highlight of their day and everyone deserves some “music therapy” (especially if they have dementia and no longer have the ability to communicate )

Dementia

Moment of Mayhem

June 10, 2014July 6, 2016 Bretthospital, mayhem, RAH0 comment

Today was a day like no other. Dad was at work with his personal carer (and now good friend) Don. He was terrific for Dad as he came to our workplace and posed as a volunteer helper in our warehouse. Don had many times gone to people’s homes and posed as a cleaner or a gardener, but never to a business before. This factor alone makes Don a unique character as he was prepared to try new techniques to make a difference to people’s lives. He would run errands for us and take…

Dementia

I’ve Joined The Fight – Alzheimers Australia

June 9, 2014July 6, 2016 Brettalzheimers australia, dementia, volunteer0 comment

I’ve Joined The Fight!……. Just wanted to let everyone know that I have joined AA… (Alzheimers Australia that is, not Alcoholics Anonymous) My volunteer role is to create awareness in the community by sharing our family journey to the public as my Dad battles with dementia…as it happens!. My aim is to share our highs and lows, help and educate other families who are impacted by the disease, and be a voice for the aged community. Fact #1 – 332,000 people are living with dementia in Australia Fact #2 –…