Can’t you just picture them? That sad and colourless elderly couple sitting silently at the table by the restaurant window. They’ll look like they rarely go outside and that life is desperately dull. Most telling, or so we think, is they’re not talking to each other. She’ll eat slowly and self-consciously, he’ll be tucking in with … Continue reading INCOMMUNICADO
Category: Personal
ROUTINE CONNECTS WITH RITUAL
There are two devices that help structure our lives – routine and ritual, and they’re not the same. Routines are habits that bring order to our day – washing, brushing our teeth, changing our clothes, eating, getting up and going to bed at specific times – these are the main disciplines and they require just … Continue reading ROUTINE CONNECTS WITH RITUAL
THE ANCHOR
Dealing with dementia is trying to keep a small boat afloat on a temperamental sea. We never know what will surface from the depths to overturn us or plunge us into a storm. Daytimes can be calm and manageable while we bob gently with the waves and sometimes, usually at night, a thick fog will … Continue reading THE ANCHOR
D FOR DANGER
When I was about three years old, I was often looked after by my sister, then around sixteen. She would take me shopping, to the park and so on. We lived in Roehampton, South London. One day, when in the chemist, she let go of my leading rein while she fished in her purse for the … Continue reading D FOR DANGER
ORGANS WEEP …
FOR TEARS UNSHED’ (to paraphrase Henry Maudsley) is as big a warning as we can get if we don’t allow ourselves to unleash our pain and sorrow. It’s likely that few of us are aware of the long-term impact of early life chronic trauma and stress. There are many reasons why some people are unable to … Continue reading ORGANS WEEP …
LEARNING HOW TO CARE
Last Monday I completed the fifth of five sessions of ‘FORMATION AIDANT’ – training for Dementia carers organised by France Alzheimer. It was certainly helpful despite the lousy acoustics in the Mirande Mairie conference room. When Yolande Serra (psychologist), in charge with Catherine Lafaille (therapist), turned away from me, her voice became muffled. Nonetheless I gained … Continue reading LEARNING HOW TO CARE
ONCE A YEAR
Christmas comes but once a year – thank goodness! Phew – it always catches me out. I’m a bit of a last-minute person anyway. As everyone is likely to be busy with travelling (Good luck!), cooking, entertaining, shopping and generally rushing about with little time to read, I shan’t be posting until after the hols. … Continue reading ONCE A YEAR
UNDER SURVEILLANCE
Here in France, it’s routine to keep a watch on the rate of deterioration of Alzheimer’s patients – the gerontologist every six months and the full team once a year. We went this week for Leaf’s annual check-up; a 7-hour session at the local hospital. They’re certainly thorough and we’re grateful for that. JUST A … Continue reading UNDER SURVEILLANCE
WHEN AD COMES TO STAY
This post is based on personal experience but I’m told the difficulties we’re up against are typical, albeit that no two sufferers and carers are alike. For the sake of simplicity, I’ve named us as below to give an element of universality to the piece. THE CAST: Self – Female Carer … Continue reading WHEN AD COMES TO STAY
HEALTHCARE IN FRANCE – AN OVERVIEW
France is said to have one of the highest standards of medical care in Europe, perhaps even the world. However, in the current climate, they're inevitably having to make cutbacks. Is it still value for money? What praise or criticisms do we have and should we be relying on the medical profession to take responsibility … Continue reading HEALTHCARE IN FRANCE – AN OVERVIEW
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