Two years ago on Mothering Sunday my Mum died after 12 years of living with Dementia.
Those twelve years saw her go from an independent and capable person to someone who literally needed everything doing for her.
My dad died before the dementia took hold so my mum, with reduced capability became increasingly vulnerable.
Thankfully for my brothers and I, very good residential care was available, and my mum lived happily in two very good Care Homes and was able to enjoy her life and our visits for many of those years.
Supporting someone with Dementia is HUGE! It is challenging, scary, often exhausting, sometimes overwhelming and can be very lonely.
Isolation in living with dementia is very tough and emotions and feelings can run wild.
Thankfully in recent times dementia is being more widely talked about and the support systems are improving. Dementia is scary and those affected need to know that they are NOT on their own.
At Church, we have committed ourselves to try to support all those who are living with dementia to help them to find friendship, support and understanding. With the help of the Diocese we are putting on two workshops at All Saints’ Madeley – see poster later.
If this is an issue which affects you – please do consider joining us and helping us together to be more inclusive, understanding and supportive of those who are living with dementia.
Peter Chantry
