Jane Hardy’s mother was in a care home, but living with her daughter has transformed her
This morning, I took my mum out in her wheelchair for our daily walk, and we got chatting with a passing dog walker. ‘What a beautiful dog, what kind is it?’ my mum Beth asked, before telling this chap about the many pets she’d owned over the years.
Five minutes later, we went our separate ways, that friendly dog walker no doubt oblivious to the fact he’d just been chatting to someone with dementia.
Indeed, were anyone to visit my home, I doubt they’d realise the old lady helping me fold laundry, chatting about a story she’d just read in the newspaper or dictating where in the garden I place the plants she’d picked out at the garden centre, had been diagnosed with this horrible disease at all. How different Mum, who’s 94, is today compared to four years ago, when she was in a care home and declining rapidly. Back then, she’d lost the ability to read and write, had been put in nappies, and wouldn’t have known what to do with the tea towels she now carefully folds into neat squares.
Maintaining dignity
In the home, she was spoken to kindly, but as though she was a baby, rather than the intelligent woman she really is. Certainly, no one had time to discuss the day’s news reports with her – although, back then, she wasn’t interested in them herself.
I couldn’t bear to think that was how the end of Mum’s life was going to play out – and so, after just a couple of weeks, I started making arrangements for her to come and live with me.
This story is from the September 02, 2019 edition of WOMAN - UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 02, 2019 edition of WOMAN - UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Terminal cancer, BUT HAPPIER THAN EVER
Despite her diagnosis, Jacqui Drake is determined to live the best life she can while also helping others
Simple LOAF CAKES
Three fuss-free sweet treats all made in a 900g tin
SCENIC sailing
Ariver cruise along the Danube Delta is a wonderful way to relax and watch the world float by
THE TRUTH about dating as a single mum
Rosie Green was shocked by what many men were thinking
Younger eyes in 10 MINUTES
Worried your vision is ageing you? These lifestyle tweaks can help
Lawsuits, splits and FAMILY BATTLES!
It's been an eventful time for the royals since the King was crowned last May. We take a look at his first year at the helm of The Firm
When will KNIFE CRIME STOP?
With the world horrified after the recent stabbings in Sydney, we ask...
Ozempic: SHARON vs KELLY
As Sharon Osbourne warns others against using the controversial drug for weight loss, her daughter Kelly Osbourne is all for it
Eric makes me AKID AGAIN
Simon Cowell on why this year’s Britain’s Got Talent is different, training up his son Eric to become a judge and reuniting with Cheryl
Look at me NOW!
Sue Sykes found that losing over 9st had several surprising benefits