D for Dementia – Case Study from Diagnosis
This is a true case study and I will link to forthcoming updates to make it flow. I work as a Personal Assistant to several elderly ladies in a McCarthy and Stone retirement property and this morning H asked me to deliver a Birthday cake to D.
On the doorstep having taken the cake, the first thing D said was “I have been diagnosed with, Oh what is it called? It begins with D”. I said ” Dementia”.
It transpired that she had seen the consultant yesterday and received a diagnosis and been prescribed some tablets. She nervously laughed and said she knows her memory is failing but she still feels quite happy to pop into town on the bus and wants to carry on enjoying her life. I assured her that she could continue and should continue to enjoy life as much as possible, taking one day at a time. I will suggest she joins the social club at our flagship dementia care home, Rose Lodge, where I had the absolute pleasure of spending several hours earlier in the week. I was moved to tears of joy at the design of the home and sheer detail to attention and amazing care
I explained that I knew a fair bit about the disease and assured her she had been wise in seeking medical advice so early. I explained that there was lots of help and support available and that I would help her find out more. I used the lightbulb analogy to reassure her that ( hopefully) she will be still capable to remain independent for some time to com and also mentioned my dementia assistance cards and how these have given people the confidence to remain independent in public too. I offered to make her some to which she keenly accepted.
D explained that her son and daughter in law were very supportive and kind and they would be pleased that I was keeping an eye on her. I will make her cards, order her a “Guide to Dementia“.
