Helping mum recover her lost memories: Making a life story book

In this post, I share what I learnt about creating a life story book with mum. After sharing encouraging experiences of some reminiscence activities, I chart six steps to creating a life story book.

Mindfulness for carers

Mindfulness can help develop inner calm and reduce anxiety but how to get started.... Here are some practices that could be helpful for carers starting looking for some simple practices.

Marriage breakdown: A casualty of caring?

This time last year I was by mum’s side saying my goodbyes. Since then, instead of mourning her loss, I have been preoccupied with another threat to my world and wellbeing. While I was away from home caring for mum, cracks erupted in my previously strong and successful marriage. I desperately hoped we could fix …

Mum, me and dementia: Learning the important things in life

The Hunter Centre asked me to write about my experience of caring for my mother. As an organisation that supports people living with dementia and their carers, they wanted to bring a personal perspective to navigating this sometimes challenging area. I wrote the following post for them. It is a summary of my caring journey …

Celebrating a life of love

The celebration of my mother's life was last Friday. The sun shone all day, amidst a sea of grey, wet days both sides of the funeral. The word 'love' featured throughout the service including the poem 'Love' by George Herbert read by Jack my husband, and chosen by mum several years ago. Love was the …

Mum dies peacefully

My mum died in the early hours of this morning, peacefully in her sleep. Despite her dementia, she has remained physically strong and robust over the last four years. After each knock, scrape and illness, she has recovered completely, regaining her original strength. But not this time. Two falls and an infection less than a week ago led …

Anniversary gift: A printer’s tray

I made a commemoration gift for my mum and dad's golden anniversary. It became a useful tool to prompt memories and happy conversations with my mum. You may be interested to create a similar item for you loved one, so I hope this post inspires you.

The year in pictures: Caring for mum at home

Mum moved back into a care home last month. I have lived with her and cared for her over the last 12 months, but had always planned to return to my own home at the end of the year. I took lots of photos to capture our good times together, knowing these times were limited. I've enjoyed compiling these pictures, which bring back treasured memories.

Settling into the care home

Whether or not a move to a care home is planned or triggered by crisis, there is a lot you can to do to support the wellbeing of your loved one once they have moved. This post shares some ideas.

Finding a Good Care Home for Mum (Part 3)

I haven’t felt like writing after my last blog post ‘Finding a good care home (part 2)’. Mum’s move to a new care home has been more traumatic than I imagined. It felt at times that all the months of preparation, shortlisting, interviews and visits were a complete waste of time.