Hi! I am Sonia Constant, I blog on over at mummyconstant.com and I was asked by the lovely Emily to write some pieces over here. Firstly because I bring a different view point about Dementia and what it means to me and secondly because I have just discovered one of my close family members has just been diagnosed with the early signs, so it is very much on my radar.
Make time for a cuppa – Dementia UK
Up until quite recently I didn’t know what dementia truly meant, I mean I knew it was something that happened in older aged people and it is something that effected memory. But that was really all. I had never looked into it thoroughly.
My grandad passed away a few years ago now, he was 90 at the time. When I had my first born, Noah, Grandad was still quite with it, on the ball and still as witty as ever. When I had my second baby, Isla, that must have been when something happened. Well, in-between having them both, as grandad would never remember Isla’s name and would always remember Noah. We saw him every week and every time he would ask who this lovely little girl was. It was really sad. He was never diagnosed with dementia, but I can only assume this is what one of the symptoms is like, memory loss. He was an old man, so most probably did have dementia.
I have another friend whose mum has dementia, she barely remembers her closest family members now. We don’t talk about it very much but when we do, you can hear in the tone of voice that it’s just heart breaking. But despite not being recognised, visits still persist as that’s what it’s all about. Cherishing them, despite the fact their memory may not be in tact.
I was recently made aware of the Dementia UK campaign “Make Time for a Cuppa” and that opened my eyes into small details that perhaps I wouldn’t have thought about for a long time. Taking the time out to have a cup of tea with someone with Dementia can really mean the world to them and what is 15 minutes out of our busy lives?
I also came across this is incredibly witty little ditty from a sufferer that I wanted to share, as it says it all really.
So, dementia means more to me than a little forgetfulness now. It’s about making people feel loved, discussing things that they do remember, cherishing every moment that you have together and talking about things to encourage them to remember. When you have a spare ten minutes just have a cup of tea and make someone’s day.
No Comments