Full list of topics 
Spacer
Spacer
Spacer
Spacer
Spacer
Spacer

Carers of people with dementiaArrow
Men caring for partners
Interview 02  

Interview 02

Age at Interview: 80
Sex: Male
Age at Diagnosis: 68
Background: Husband caring for his wife of 58 years at home. Well supported by four sons, social services and old friends. Diagnosed in 1991. Occupation of carer: retired, wife was a PA/Housewife.
Brief outline:Her mental and physical condition has deteriorated steadily since she herself first recognized she had a problem in 1991. She can now no longer talk or walk. Cared for at home and day-care centre.


To watch or read an interview clip, click on the heading that interests you. Either a video,audio recording or text will open, depending on the clip
To close transcript boxes, click here
To print the interview’s text, click here
His wife developed bedsores while in respite care and he hasn't dared to leave her again.

 



I had one unfortunate experience with a nursing home where I think largely because [patients name] is unable to complain and never causes any physical trouble I think she tended to be neglected. I was away for a month's holiday, I went to see my new grandson when he was born, that was in Jakarta so I went out there for a fortnight and then I went on from there to New York to see my other son and the granddaughter's graduation. 

So I was away for a month and when I came back [patients name] had got bedsores as a result of them not taking proper care in the nursing home. So I had her at home for 3 months with the district nurses coming in every morning until we got this cleared up and then I said I wasn't going to take [patients name] back to that nursing home which incidentally has since closed and I found another nursing home just along the road where I knew the matron.  

Social Services were very co-operative and they arranged a contract with the Adelaide Nursing Home to look after [patients name] as a special case during the day which gives me from 11 o clock till 5 o clock, Monday to Friday to be a free agent. They look after [patients name] for me there and I find they're very good. But whether they would look after her if I went away for a long time or not I don't know so I haven't risked it (laughs). Once bitten twice shy. So they look after her very well during the day and that's as much as I need so I haven't asked for any more.  
Jonathan Miller - Dementia
Support our work

healthtalkonline.org - Teaching and Learning

Mail to a friend

Send