Karen Dunn
When we got Mum’s diagnosis, Dad and I knew the journey ahead was going to be difficult and challenging but I don’t think anything quite prepared us for it.
My mum was always a quiet and reserved woman. She never liked to be centre of attention, preferring to sit back and watch. After her diagnosis in February 2019, her personality changed and it is sometimes hard to believe she is the same person. She can be very vocal and sometimes becomes quite angry and frustrated. However, Mum’s always had a great sense of humour and you can still see a glimmer of that shining through.
We were supported by an Alzheimer Scotland Link Worker until July 2020. They were great in advising how to deal with tricky situations, with lots of suggestions of things to try to make my mum feel safe, happy and secure. Some worked and some didn’t, but it was a comfort to know there was always someone there to help us at the other end of the phone.
Our Link Worker recommended a pack full of different activities, including a DVD of ‘Memories of Glasgow’. Mum loves to look at photographs. I made up an album of photographs from her childhood right through to the present day of all the family and when she does get upset or anxious, I find looking at the album settles her and makes her happy again.
Also included in the activity pack was a Sing-A-Long which was great. Music is very important to Mum and she used to love going to the theatre to watch a musical. When we are all together, we’ll watch old favourites and she’ll sing along. I can’t tell you what it means to see her enjoying herself, being happy, laughing and content. Last December, after several months in hospital and rehabilitation, we realised it was no longer possible for Mum to live at home. It had become apparent she needed 24/7 nursing care which neither my dad or I could provide. This was a very difficult time and the pandemic certainly didn’t make things easier but she’s settled in to the care home fantastically.
Our top priority has always been Mum, assuring her we were going to be there for her every step of the way and making her feel safe and secure and not on her own. I choose to give a regular gift to Alzheimer Scotland so they continue to provide support to families like mine, making sure nobody faces dementia alone.
Alzheimer Scotland is a wonderful charity which it means a lot to me because of the help and support it has provided for my mum and my family over the last couple of difficult years. I will continue to support the charity to enable Alzheimer Scotland to help others like me.