My youngest daughter, Ellie, was studying health within her class at Woodstock Christian School. The initial topic she chose for her project was Abortion. Her form teacher did not believe she was of the age to undertake such an emotive subject. As her parent, and having talked with Ellie, I did not agree. However, we eventually decided to tackle Alzheimer's/dementia.
I had been a caregiver for my grandad who suffered from dementia. To supplement the project I wrote the following from the perspective of my grandad, based upon actual events.
I had been a caregiver for my grandad who suffered from dementia. To supplement the project I wrote the following from the perspective of my grandad, based upon actual events.
My name is Frank. I am 84-years-old. A widower. My wife Nellie. short for Eleanor, had a severe stroke over seven years ago. She was hospitalised, and died shortly afterwards.
I live in Sowerby Bridge, but this two-up two-down house is becoming too much for me . I decide to sell. I move into Ladstone Towers. I live in a flat on the tenth floor.
I am struggling. I can't see very well, I have cataracts.
My grandson has arranged for me to move into sheltered accommodation in the town where he and his wife, Lesley, live. This is better. I can now spend time with my great grandchildren, Joshua and Sarah.
I am starting to forget things. It's more than, 'where did I put my key?' I don't know what day it is.
I can't look after my pension. I have signed my pension book so our Ian can collect it for me. Where is my pension book? I am sure I put it here, in this drawer! Oh yes, our Ian has it. But he shouldn't. He's stolen it. I am going to report him. I am trying to find my way to the Police Station, get lost and I am in the local court building.
I go to see our Ian. I sit at the kitchen table. I see my pension book. Our Ian explains to me that I have given him permission to collect the pension for me - I don't believe him. I grab the pension book and leave.
Our Ian and Lesley come to see me later. What are they doing in my fridge? They tell me that the food in the fridge is past its best before date. There is mould on the cheese. The milk is rancid.
My trousers smell, urine. I can't help it, I wet myself. Where is the toilet?
I am going with our Ian to see the doctor. I am told I have dementia. I can't answer questions asked by Doctor Robinson.
He admits me into hospital. I am confused. I do not know where I am a lot of the time. I open a door, I need the toilet, I need a wee. That wasn't the toilet I am told by a nurse. It was a wardrobe.
Our Ian comes to see me with Joshua and Sarah. He tells me Lesley has been killed. Something about cycling, but I'm not sure.
A man has come to see me. I am moving to a nursing home called Abbeymoor. I think that's where our Ian works.
I am settled. I like this place. Our Ian has bought me some clothes. These care assistants help me to dress, but I don't see our Ian.
Someone tells me he left, he's looking after two children. I didn't know he had children.
I am beginning to have headaches.
I have a stroke.
I am sleeping. I know there is someone by my bed, but I don't know who.
I open my eyes; I try to focus.
Then I close my eyes for the last time.
I live in Sowerby Bridge, but this two-up two-down house is becoming too much for me . I decide to sell. I move into Ladstone Towers. I live in a flat on the tenth floor.
I am struggling. I can't see very well, I have cataracts.
My grandson has arranged for me to move into sheltered accommodation in the town where he and his wife, Lesley, live. This is better. I can now spend time with my great grandchildren, Joshua and Sarah.
I am starting to forget things. It's more than, 'where did I put my key?' I don't know what day it is.
I can't look after my pension. I have signed my pension book so our Ian can collect it for me. Where is my pension book? I am sure I put it here, in this drawer! Oh yes, our Ian has it. But he shouldn't. He's stolen it. I am going to report him. I am trying to find my way to the Police Station, get lost and I am in the local court building.
I go to see our Ian. I sit at the kitchen table. I see my pension book. Our Ian explains to me that I have given him permission to collect the pension for me - I don't believe him. I grab the pension book and leave.
Our Ian and Lesley come to see me later. What are they doing in my fridge? They tell me that the food in the fridge is past its best before date. There is mould on the cheese. The milk is rancid.
My trousers smell, urine. I can't help it, I wet myself. Where is the toilet?
I am going with our Ian to see the doctor. I am told I have dementia. I can't answer questions asked by Doctor Robinson.
He admits me into hospital. I am confused. I do not know where I am a lot of the time. I open a door, I need the toilet, I need a wee. That wasn't the toilet I am told by a nurse. It was a wardrobe.
Our Ian comes to see me with Joshua and Sarah. He tells me Lesley has been killed. Something about cycling, but I'm not sure.
A man has come to see me. I am moving to a nursing home called Abbeymoor. I think that's where our Ian works.
I am settled. I like this place. Our Ian has bought me some clothes. These care assistants help me to dress, but I don't see our Ian.
Someone tells me he left, he's looking after two children. I didn't know he had children.
I am beginning to have headaches.
I have a stroke.
I am sleeping. I know there is someone by my bed, but I don't know who.
I open my eyes; I try to focus.
Then I close my eyes for the last time.
