In this candid, personal account, she discusses what it was like to care for her dad, and why City in the Community’s ‘Reminiscity’ programme launch during Dementia Action Week means so much to her…
In January 2015, my mum was taken ill and within a week had died (this was very unexpected). I then moved into my parent’s house to look after my father. It was clear from the start that something was not right and his behaviour, actions were strange to see. He would get angry, hallucinate, forget things that happened earlier but was able to remember days out from 50 years ago.
The worst thing was when he asked myself and my brother who we were, it was heart-breaking for us both, although we laugh now at the time we saw him standing at the top of the stairs with his underpants over his trousers.
My father also had Parkinson’s which together with the diagnosis of Dementia meant that he would struggle to hold his balance sometimes and we were advised that he would fall.
In June 2015, he had a fall whilst in a care home and broke his hip, the anaesthetic given during the operation meant that he was even worse than before and he eventually was moved to a palliative care home where he spent the final days of his life.
There are so many people out there suffering, some unaware (as we were) that a family member may be hiding their symptoms.
To hear about City in the Community’s new programme is brilliant.
I think that bringing people together who either are living with dementia and or have loved ones that have been diagnosed is a wonderful idea. Families will be able to talk and know that there are others out there who are experiencing the same things.
In older sufferers anything that brings back good memories, music, football, will make everyone happy rather than always being sad.
I was first involved with the charity when Alex Williams was in charge and the office was a small room next to Maine Road! It’s come such a long way and to have CITC supporting players and their families, it will further show that football is for everyone.
My advice to anyone supporting a loved one with dementia would be to find out as much as you can – don’t start treating them as a child!
Each day will be different, enjoy the good times. The best advice we were given is don`t argue, just listen and agree.
Everyone at CITC would like to thank Lesley for taking the time to share her story during Dementia Action Week.
Yesterday, City in the Community announced the launch of its new Reminiscity programme, which aims to engage and support people living within Manchester who suffer from mild to moderate forms of dementia.
Reminiscity has been launched to create a dementia safe environment for participants to enjoy social and physical activity, through to conduit of football and Manchester City, to promote active and engaged lifestyles in the face of the challenge’s dementia can bring.
The Reminiscity programme is due to commence over the summer of 2021 and will consist of a six-week programme of activity, taking place in and around the Etihad Stadium and Campus. Activities will include social elements, where participants can relive classic Manchester City matches and group discussions on Manchester City history, as well as physical activity such as stadium walks and arts and crafts.
For more information, email the team on citc@cityfootball.com.
