Mr Carer made an initial enquiry via our website in March 2024, after giving him details for all of BIADS services and inviting them to our centre they both came as a walk-in the month after. We spoke at length about all that BIADS could offer and it really resonated with him that our support is as much for him as a carer, as it is for his lovely wife. We learned much of their family, their history and their current situation. Following on from this we agreed to future contact from a dedicated Carer Support Worker and they joined other members for a cuppa and were soon chatting away.
The following week, Mr Carer rang to thank his Carer Support Worker (CSW) for their appointment saying his wife seemed “to really perk up.” He had realised that they both need to get out and about more, and talk to other people as isolation was becoming an increasing issue adding people don’t tend visit them anymore. They then asked to try one of our services and this was soon increased to them attending multiple different services, even giving Mr Carer the opportunity of an hours respite during a carer support group. Not only was this an hours respite but also the opportunity to talk freely about the issues they faced together with other carers facing this same journey.
Carer Support had started for Mr Carer and he was regularly contacted to discuss any issues they had or even just for a nice chat asking how they both were. Mr Carer and his wife soon made friends at BIADS and as a new friendship group started attending other groups together outside of BIADS – they have a wonderful social life now.
By early July, Mr Carer mentioned that he was becoming more and more tired as the pressures of caring for a loved one with dementia increased. Mr Carer’s CSW broached the subject of a day centre, to offer him the opportunity for a rest and some time for himself. This decision was then left with Mr Carer, but that his CSW could provide information about this kind or respite and also accompany them there for a visit.
By the end of July, Mr Carer was encountering further problems with incontinence for his wife and also problems within the family. Things were “rough,” support and professional help were put in place to overcome this difficult period. It was very difficult for him to come to terms with what was happening but he thanked his CSW over and over for listening and said he felt better for talking about it. Mr Carer said that it seemed like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, he had actually had a good night’s sleep for the first time in he can’t remember when.
By mid-August, Mr Carer enquired about BIADS Day Centre in more detail, a visit was quickly arranged along with Mr Carers CSW to view this service. Mr Carer said he had no concerns or questions at all in taking his wife there to be looked after. Mr Carer’s lovely wife was booked into the day centre once a week, with an option to increase her attendance whenever he feels the time is right for them.
They have since attended the BIADS Holidays and had a fantastic time making new memories with their new friends who are all part of the BIADS family. Throughout, Mr Carer and his lovely wife have been regular visitors to BIADS, our social events, carer support groups, activities and still continue to receive regular Carer Support, advice, information, referrals to many other organisations & agencies and most importantly emotional support on this journey of caring for somebody with dementia.
Mr Carer is always very thankful of whatever we do for them and says he “would have been lost without us by now”.
