It’s very easy to become overwhelmed when dementia is an unwelcome guest in your life.  In my haste to post on other matters yesterday I almost forgot the contribution of our ‘adopted daughter’, Chloe.  I am pretty good at moaning about the difficulties in life and taking the positives for granted.  However, if I am to run with my New Year’s Resolution this post has to be about Girl Monday and Friday.

Her performance yesterday gives an idea of the benefit of our adoption.  She arrived at 10 ‘o’ clock with Maureen still in bed.  As always she asked me how things had been going since her last call on Monday.  When I told her what has been going on she helped me to understand Maureen’c current presentation.  She has a wealth of experience, caring for clients who have dementia, and is always willing to share her insight into the condition.  Her understanding of  Maureen is exceptional  and she knows when to cajole and when to back off.

Yesterday when I returned from shopping Maureen had showered and washed her hair.  A major accomplishment with someone who can insist that she showers and washes her own hair regularly.  The reality being that since stroke it is not simple for Maureen to feel safe in the shower cubicle; particularly on her own.  Chloe had also got Maureen to try on new underwear and they had agreed that the purchases of your truly were not satisfactory.

Caring for someone with dementia requires a steep learning curve.  To have an ‘in house tutor’ on hand who knows her the condition, and Maureen, is worth its weight in gold.  The thought that Chloe will be here on Monday’s and Friday’s is one of my saving graces when the going gets tough.  I would recommend any family with dementia the unwanted guest in their lives to go for the three C’s of Compassionate Care Calls.  We are very fortunate that we have four here with Chloe.