Hi, I’m Albert,
Last year I thought my life was over. At aged 78, I was diagnosed with vascular Dementia and gave up all the things that I used to enjoy. I was scared and didn’t know how to process my diagnosis. (Learn More)
I was isolated at home on my own and this didn’t help with worrying and overthinking. I was worried about my future and how I would cope. I felt that I had nowhere to turn and until recently that wasn’t a lie.
Something they don’t tell you about Dementia is that, it doesn’t mean you’re any less of the person than you were before. The stigma and misunderstanding around this diagnosis can be very upsetting and confusing.
I met Lucy, from the Eric Liddell Day Service. She was so understanding and treated me like a person and not an illness. She saw the real me and not my dementia. I felt relieved and reassured by her kindness. The Day Service gave me choices and the opportunity to be part of something that would give me a routine and keep me engaged and focused. She helped me find ways to get back to feeling like me again.
I am now connected within my community, have made lots of new friends and able to choose the activities that are right for me. I now have some help at home that reassures me, I’m enjoying using my iPad again and feel that I can stay at home for longer with continued support from the Day Service staff.
Just now I’m keeping well, I’m happy and enjoying life again. I know I have people who have my best interests at heart. My outlook has changed so much since my diagnosis, all because of the Day Service that I attend.
I hope that you have someone in your life that sees you, the person and not your diagnosis. I hope that someone like you, finds a Day Service like me and your life changes like mine.
Thanks for taking the time to read my story.
Albert.
