The changes that have been taking place in Maureen’s presentation have led us onto a new route on this journey.  We are now firmly back in the mix of the Memory Service.  Vascular dementia led to Maureen being discharged from the Memory Service over a year ago, as there is no treatment for the condition within the NHS.  Her current presentation has led to the involvement of the Rapid Response and Home Treatment Teams.

To an extent it feels like we have now been thrown a lifeline of support.  Whenever there is a crisis we can ask for support from the Rapid Response Team.  Our current situation will now become the focus of the Home Treatment Team.  They have skilled staff to help us to get through this sticky patch and advise us of the best route in the next stage of this journey.

I can sleep a little easier now that support is at hand.  We have both seen that rest is critical if we are to survive this journey in one piece.  Unfortunately, our afternoon siesta was interrupted yesterday afternoon by the arrival of a fire engine.  The crew had called earlier to arrange a safety check on our set up between 3 and 4 pm.  I hadn’t realised how attractive women were in uniform: particularly young blondes!  Just to be on the safe side she had brought two male hunks with her and Maureen said they were worth waking up for.

We are trying to solve the sleep issue with ‘go to bed when its dark don’t get up before its light’. It’s early days but if ‘resting eyes’ on the sofa is replaced by going to bed together as soon as it gets dark we are moving on.  We slept together again last night and that is real progress!

The next few days are going to be challenging for both of us. Further assessments of Maureen’s presentation are needed.  There will be lots of professional staff calling into our home to explore how our lives are at the moment.  It is fortunate that Chloe our longest serving carer is back from holiday today.  Her presence will play a significant part in settling Maureen: she has been puzzled by her non arrival every day during the last week