A statistic haunts me as I search for a new care home in preparation for mum’s final move. On average, residents of care homes get only two minutes of social interaction with staff a day. While this statistic is based on a small sample of homes in England, I fear it sums up the quality … Continue reading Desperately Seeking a Good Care Home
So Long 2018 and Thanks for all the Support
2018 was quite a year for me and my mum. After over two years I brought mum back to her own home. As I look back, I am extremely grateful to all those who have supported us, particularly one doctor...
Decision Time: Does Mum Stay Home?
Mum has been back at her former care home since last Friday. This has enabled me to attend a mindfulness teacher training course in Oxford and take holiday with my husband, Jack. After six weeks looking after mum, I felt physically and emotionally drained when I dropped her off. As I drove away I felt … Continue reading Decision Time: Does Mum Stay Home?
Mum’s Groundhog Day
Picture this. You wake up in a strange place. You don’t recognise the room, you don’t know where you are, or even what country you’re in. Gradually you notice familiar objects: your dressing gown, photos of family and ornaments. You wonder how you got here. You try the door to the garden, it is locked. … Continue reading Mum’s Groundhog Day
Choosing a Care Home
Choosing a care home for a family member living with dementia, may be the most important decision you ever make on their behalf. Of course if they have the capacity to make the decision, your role might be to support them. Either way, the more informed you are the better. The choice will have huge … Continue reading Choosing a Care Home
Should I Bring Mum Home?
Since mum went into care in October 2015, I have been wondering whether an institutional home is the right place for her. Experts and professionals involved in dementia care have insisted to me that she is better off in a care home. This reassurance has put my mind at rest for weeks, and even months, at a time. However, the question invariably comes back with greater force and more insistence than before.
Take Care of Yourself First
Whether you care for a relative with dementia at home, or visit them in a care home, you need to be mindful of the potential toll on your own physical and mental health. Helpful advice that I dismissed. Don’t make the same mistake.
Changing Rooms
Last Friday, my mother moved into a new room on a newly created lower ground floor in her care home. Having created the new floor, the care home sought to separate residents so that those who had ‘nursing’ needs above usual dementia support, stayed on the original floor. Nine residents including my mother were moved … Continue reading Changing Rooms
Finding the Contented Dementia formula
Last Friday, mum burst into tears when I arrived at the care home. She was upset about not being able to pay for lunch, having accumulated debts, and having to rely on others. Lunch is included and she’s not in debt, but yes, she is relying on others. Through her tears, she explained that her … Continue reading Finding the Contented Dementia formula
Is Contented Dementia a thing?
Is it possible to be contented if you have dementia? More importantly to me, can my mother be contented with dementia? The main reason I started this blog is to record my learning as I attempt to implement a method developed by the Contented Dementia Trust to improve the quality of life for my mother. … Continue reading Is Contented Dementia a thing?
