A devoted son, whose mother is living with dementia has opened up about the highs and lows he and his family have faced caring for her.
During Carer’s Week (6-12 June) Andy Huntley and his family, who have supported his mother since her diagnosis 4 years ago at the age of 64, are sharing their experience in support of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru’s Forget Me Not Appeal, which runs throughout June.
A caring role can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming and isolating at times. This is something that Andy has experienced first-hand.
Andy and his family who are based in South Wales, have watched his mother Ceri go from being an outgoing and sociable personality at the centre of their family, to slowly disappearing before their eyes, this has been devastating. Andy said,
“Caring for someone with dementia is unbelievably challenging and we recently had to make the hard decision to put my Mum into full time care. Since her diagnosis my dad had been her primary carer, the weight of it all finally took its toll on his health and he ended up in hospital. Once again, my family were faced with the realities and impact of this cruel disease, it was undoubtedly the hardest time of our lives.
It’s so important to get a timely diagnosis, to give yourselves time to plan and pre-empt crisis situations as much as possible. We’re still facing new challenges every day and learning as we go. Alzheimer’s Society Cymru have been an amazing support and anyone who is concerned about their own, or a loved one’s memory should contact them.”
Living with dementia and its effects can often be isolating and many people report that they feel forgotten, but it’s not just those diagnosed with dementia that can feel invisible. A survey conducted by Alzheimer’s Society in 2021 found that 33% of carers didn’t feel they had the support they needed to care for a loved one living with dementia.
As part of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru’s Forget Me Not Appeal and Carers Week 2022, the charity is urging people to reach out if they need advice or support. Alzheimer’s Society’Cymru’s Dementia Advisers are trained to connect people to the support they need, whether it’s advice on legal documents, help understanding dementia, or someone to talk to when things get tough. Talking therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and online discussion forums can also help. Talking Point is Alzheimer’s Society’s online community where you can ask questions, share experiences and get information and practical tips on living with dementia from people who are going through or have had similar experiences.
Cheryl James, Area Manager at Alzheimer’s Society Cymru said: “Everyone will experience caring in their own way. There may be days when you feel you can cope well and other days when you feel that you can’t.
“There may be some parts of caring that you can find easy to manage but others that you find difficult. It’s important you don’t disregard your own health and wellbeing – processing your feelings, being kind to yourself, talking to others and taking regular breaks are just some of the ways you can ensure you are looking after yourself too.
“We know that there are too many people who are taking on caring responsibilities without adequate support. We urgently need to ensure that people living with dementia, and their carers, in Wales have the support, understanding and help they need.
“By wearing a Forget Me Not badge this June you will be showing everyone affected by dementia that you understand, you are with them, and you are helping to fund life-changing support.”
To speak to a Dementia Adviser for practical or emotional support, visit alzheimers.org.uk or call 0333 150 3456.
Support people affected by dementia by wearing your Forget Me Not badge and help to fund life-changing dementia support visit alzheimers.org.uk/forgetmenot for more information.
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