TellMeWhatI'mDoing

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.

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

I have tested negative for #Covid_19 and I have clearance from my doctor. Where is the compassion @ScottMorrisonMP

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

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

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

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

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

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

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

Christmas Day and we’re watching Miracle on 34th Street. We watched it the other day too. 😉#agedcare #santa #MerryChrismas #EndAlzheimers

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

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.

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

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

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

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

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

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

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

18 months in a care facility and Sadie has declined markedly, cognitively and physically. But when she smiles...💓 #EndAlz #carer #Dementia

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

It has been more than a year since Sadie moved in to permanent care and she is finally quite settled. #Caring #EndAlz #Dementia

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

I broke an #UnjustLaw when I was #caring for my mum as Alzheimer's took hold. #NotSorry #SallyMcManus #EndAlz https://t.co/UQggXAw1O8

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

The staff at Sadie's care home treat the residents so well and I'm so grateful she is in good hands. #Alzheimers #agedcare #drivingmisssadie

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

It's Sadie's birthday. She's 79. #tbt to a year ago when I took her on a trip to the #greatoceanroad .... She's in an #agedcare facility now

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

Liz Jackson on #4corners is so amazing and difficult to watch. She's getting worse and all I can wish for is that she somehow feels better.

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

It was a really hot, windy day in Sydney. Sadie and I sat in her room with the curtains drawn, watching Mr Bean on DVD. #endalz #agedcare

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

"Those moments of clarity are the worst," a friend said after I found Sadie crying with loneliness. #endalz #agedcare #caring #Dementia

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

@CivilSocietyOz @MattRaggatt Jobs in Canberra is the last thing PWD and careers need.

[TellMeWhatI'mDoing @TellMeWhatIMD]

I didn't get to see Sadie today; my brother was visiting. I can't be in the same room. Bet it happens often at aged care facilities. #endalz