How dementia support service saved my sanity

A WIFE whose husband has dementia has praised nurses and volunteers for the care and support they offer to the family during Dementia Action Week.

- JAMES ARNOTT

Avril Nicholson and husband Viv, from Pontardawe, have been receiving support from Marie Curie since last year - initially from companion volunteer Maebh, and now from the charity’s palliative care nurses.

The team supporting the family is the Marie Curie West Glamorgan Dementia Respite service - which recently received a highly commended award for the dementia respite service and companion volunteer service at the Together WeCare Awards.

While the dementia respite service sees Marie Curie nurses and healthcare assistants supporting people with clinical and personal care needs, companion volunteers on the service support people who have a diagnosis of dementia, providing emotional and practical support and being a reassuring presence.

Volunteers are asked to provide support for approximately three hours per week, being with people at home or taking them out and about.

Avril, 84, said the whole service has made a huge difference to her and Viv, and their daughter Kate.

“Viv has had dementia for about six or seven years, I think,” she said.