Beth Fitzsimmons

My Gran

Wednesday 24th Dec I lost my gran to Dementia in 2003. I was 17 years old and I was her primary carer. Still to this day I wonder if I done enough? She was my whole world! My gran, Ellen made me laugh every day with her antics but dementia changes a person and it may steal a person's character.  Life can quickly become challenging and frustrating. I could list the things that my gran would do that my 17 year old, inexperienced brain could not comprehend. There is a lot of things that could have been done differently for my gran to have an even better care plan in place. Isn't hindsight a wonderful thing?! After my gran passed, I completed my level 2 in care and later went into dementia care as a career. I have my gran to thank for the person I am now. I would want her to know the people I have comforted and made feel safe and simply sat side by side with or walked with. My gran taught me patience and compassion and taught me that no matter what, a person has the right to their dignity. I want to raise awareness of dementia so others know there is more to it than just someone that is forgetful. Let's walk together and raise awareness! Share