I'm Vanessa and my mother, Sadie (that's her in the picture), has Alzheimer's disease. I cared for her for 3 years; now we are both adjusting to living apart.
My mother Sadie is terminal. She is shutting down, soon to die of #Alzheimers related issues
@HammondCare won’t let me spend more than an hour a day with her. It’s 10 years since she first showed signs. I vowed to be with her until the end; now she’s going to die alone. #Covid_19
Whenever I tell someone in passing about my Mum having Alzheimer’s that person tells me a story about their experience with dementia. I always listen. #dementia#dementiafriends#alzheimers#endalz
The care facility asked all families to remove ‘clutter’ from residents’ rooms earlier this month because the place was being painted. I put everything back in Sadie’s room today. It’s impersonal enough there. #agedcare#dementia#highcare#AlzheimersDisease
The staff at #HammondCare have been hassling me for Sadie’s Advanced Care Directive. When I gave it to them they questioned my decision to have my mother treated. Given she nearly died in June after the GP they called checked her paperwork but didn’t examine her, I stand by it.
I’m looking forward to spending time with Mum over the break. She was always organised at Christmas. When #alzheimers hit hard, sending cards caused her confusion and distress. #ENDALZ#dementia#carers
I used to get annoyed because Sadie would call me every day when she was succumbing to #alzheimers . Now I’d give my right arm to hear her voice on the other end of the phone. #endalz#dementia#thelonggoodbye
Coming up to three years since I had to move Sadie into care. So much has happened. Still my heart breaks. Except for when I see her smile. #ENDALZ#dementia#caring