This chapter was written by Meg Wilkes, and is taken from the book Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Parkinson's Disease Dementia.
Meg writes about how her husband's symptoms developed, the guilt she experienced as a carer, and residential care among other things.
Here are a couple of quotes:
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A frequent cry from carers is “no one can understand how it is unless they’ve been there”. It must be equally true for those we care for. None of us has the full picture. I am sure that understanding and knowledge will grow if professional and informal carers are more honest with each other, more courageous, trusting each other’s expertise.
When I arrive, he greets me briefly, often with a smile, though sometimes he doesn’t know me. He usually has something to tell me ... I long for some sign of affection, some reassurance that I am still special to him. Mostly, I have to be content that I am the one he takes for granted.
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The book was edited by John O’Brien, David Ames, Ian McKeith, Edmond Chiu (Taylor & Francis 2005), and has been reproduced with the permission of the publisher.
We hope this piece will bring comfort to those of you caring for someone with dementia on TP who have been, or are going through, similar situations to Meg's.
Talking Point Team
Meg writes about how her husband's symptoms developed, the guilt she experienced as a carer, and residential care among other things.
Here are a couple of quotes:
*
A frequent cry from carers is “no one can understand how it is unless they’ve been there”. It must be equally true for those we care for. None of us has the full picture. I am sure that understanding and knowledge will grow if professional and informal carers are more honest with each other, more courageous, trusting each other’s expertise.
When I arrive, he greets me briefly, often with a smile, though sometimes he doesn’t know me. He usually has something to tell me ... I long for some sign of affection, some reassurance that I am still special to him. Mostly, I have to be content that I am the one he takes for granted.
*
The book was edited by John O’Brien, David Ames, Ian McKeith, Edmond Chiu (Taylor & Francis 2005), and has been reproduced with the permission of the publisher.
We hope this piece will bring comfort to those of you caring for someone with dementia on TP who have been, or are going through, similar situations to Meg's.
Talking Point Team