Funky Jamaicans !
Posted on October 16, 2014 Leave a Comment
Half way through October and we are still fighting illness and trying to get on with life. We are still approaching life with a smile on our face and a joke on the tip of our tongues. We’ve been getting out and about and I managed to take Dad to Fight Club, which he enjoyed immensely, he enjoys a night out watching the boxing and a lager and lime. Sending a big thank you to all those involved who allowed us to have a good time.
Should we live or exist?
Posted on September 16, 2014 Leave a Comment
Dad and I had a lovely time at Bath Spa. With the help of our lovely carer Kerry. Getting out of the home environment can do you the world of good. We went by train and the staff were so helpful. We all had a lovely lunch, then were immersed in the only natural thermal waters in the UK. We had a taste of what the Romans did. Bath Spa seriously made us come home with full bellies, and a chilled out vibe.
Enjoy the good times…..
Posted on September 9, 2014 Leave a Comment
I love a good chin wag and I have to apologize for not updating sooner. We’ve been kind of busy, just living life and getting on with things. We’ve had a few crazy months, a stay in hospital and a dodgy thief being stopped by a hero at dads house, unfortunately a sign of our times. Obviously, dads illness has been beating its drum and I’ve been jumping through many different hoops. Like I’ve said before, thank God for our NHS staff, Police and Carers and all of those special people who continue to keep the nation ticking by, keeping us all safe and as well as we can be. I’ve been procrastinating, with how much to share on here. Once something is on the internet its there forever. It isn’t my intention to ever cross the line and keeping an ethical and moral standpoint is very important to me. My Dad has a right to dignity, privacy and trust. I like to share as much as is needed, without being disrespectful. I am trying to share our journey and hopefully inspire others to take an interest in the crazy world of dementia and care. We all use different analogies a stitch in time, saves time. If it doesn’t kill you it makes you stronger. Pick yourself up and dust yourself off. There’s always someone else worst off than you etc. Now I don’t always understand or believe them, but some of them really hit home at times, and you cant help, but smile. But the best thing, I’ve been saying of late is I feel like a plate spinner. Now I really feel like I am, a performer in a crazy circus. Looking after someone at anytime is difficult, but being able to plan and know how the gig is going to pan out makes things not so bad. Having this luxury is something that we all take for granted. The unconditional love of our parents or people who love us is something which is taken for granted. Sorry to sound hippy trippy, but its like the circle of life, looking after the ones who have looked after us. The ones who helped us to grow and all that. Now I know, its not for everyone, and not everyone had or has had memories of happy childhood. But if you did, have some happy memories, please take an interest in your people. How can we teach our next generation how to care if we don’t. But my favourite one is, what goes around comes around. Now fingers crossed, and all that, here’s hoping, that works out and I’ll never need looking after and if I do I hope I have someone to care.
Good News!
Posted on September 2, 2014 Leave a Comment
Just a quick note, to say a big thank you to Redlands, who have added us to their list of charities. Allowing jumping at a discounted rate whilst raising money for charity. Just call Redlands and ask for Brucie and mention DBLTS. I intend to jump one day, but being solely responsible for dad comes first! Thank you to those brave enough, to jump for our charity. We want to raise funds, to help those touched by dementia, to have some fun !
DBLTS Fundraising Event – 23 August 2014
Posted on June 26, 2014 Leave a Comment
For all the thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies in Swindon, we have a sponsored parachute jump taking place at Redlands Airfield Swindon on the 23rd August 2014…
Places are limited and filling fast… registration and deposit required by the 11th July 2014.
Please sign up before the 3rd of July to guarantee your spot.
Please use the link below to download the application form, both forms must be downloaded and filled in to be eligible to take part in this event.
Big thank you to the staff at GWH
Posted on June 18, 2014 Leave a Comment
We are back home, after a night of observation at GWH. Big thanks to the surgeon Mr Beck and his team and the staff at the Shalbourne Suite who looked after us. xxxx
XX Happy Fathers Day XX
Posted on June 15, 2014 Leave a Comment
Much love to all the Fathers of the world who have been proper men and have brought up strong children and have been there. God bless the carers who work for agencies, who do a good job and allow us to live our lives! Dad has a little op this week coming, please think of us and have a little pray for him and send some positive vibes. Thank you! XXXXX
Don’t be like that Stella @ Rotary Duck Race 2014
Posted on May 28, 2014 Leave a Comment
Another Bank Holiday Monday in the glorious rain. But, it didn’t dampen our spirits and the people of Swindon enjoyed another great Duck Race. Just wanted to say a big thank you to the Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town. It was lovely meeting and chatting to the other people of Swindon in the battle against Dementia. Sharing advice and supporting each other, it felt really good and Dad really enjoyed the day. Cheers DBLTS xxxxxxxx P.S Big thx to the JCB Man who got our car out of the mud!!!!!
DBLT KEYRING SHOPPING TROLLEY COINS
Posted on May 21, 2014 Leave a Comment
Big thanks to Rees Holgate from Nuffield Health and Well Being and Ian Butler from Screaming media who brought this image to life! xxxxxxxx
Dad & Me
Posted on May 18, 2014 Leave a Comment
Dads been such a soldier, another UTI
but we still managed to get out and enjoyed the weather !
http://alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/download_info.php?downloadID=1150
Dad, Gloria and Me
Update/Banter, Stimulation and Coconut Oil Share…….
Posted on May 13, 2014 Leave a Comment
A Quick Update……..
My fellow trustees and I had a meeting with the bank manager last week and are awaiting our charity account number.
Then we can get the ball rolling with all the wonderful things we got planned:-
A stall at The Rotary Duck Race on the 26th May 2014
Performing Arts Concert date TBC
Charity Tandem Skydive, Redlands, Swindon 23rd August 2014
Community Fun Day date TBC
Christmas Variety Ball date TBC
We are planning to do loads of fun things, whilst raising awareness about Alzheimer’s in Dementia and funds for local people who have it and their carers. We will ask them what they would like to do and try to make it happen. It might be a trip to the zoo, or watching a show, or visiting a country house. We plan to provide them with a good day out and the support to do it. Then over the Christmas season we hope to host a nice meal for them too.
And A Nice Share……..
After a day of exercise at the gym, laughter and another injury free day under our belts( I stopped Dad falling and took the weight of his body last week) Dad repeated, to one of his carers a nick name of banter, she had taught him yesterday. He said, you told me to call Stella that two days ago. She taught him to call me B***h T*ts, which has been the source of great amusement. We looked at each other and laughed, with shock and amazement! Now he was out by one day, but aren’t people with Alzheimer’s supposed to lose their short term memories? Now I know, Dad doesn’t remember absolutely everything. But, wow wow wow, and howwwwww?
All I know is we talk about everything and Dad is like one of the girls with the carers. By that I mean it isn’t all face packs and doing our nails. But its including him in the joke and listening to him and his stories. Taking the time to explain whats going on and telling him he is in his own home, using the furniture as a markers and telling him where he is if and when he forgets. Greeting him as he greets us with a smile in the voice and a laugh to be had through banter and friendship. Even if its the millionth time and having the bravery to hear it again and/or read the situation and explain the truth of the situation, or go with his reality if it suits the occasion.
Dad and I are lucky! I really don’t know if it is the combination of the medication and the coconut oil, him living in his own home, having a loved one and agency carers, looking after him in his own home, or just the way the illness is progressing in him in general. It is so hard to measure any significant changes, and to have a definitive answer. Thanks to those people who have emailed and inquired about the coconut oil, I will keep my eye on it. I take it too and we both have it in our cereal in the mornings. I think it probably helps people in different ways. If I had to be pinned down on how it has effected Dad I’d say it helps his short term memory and alertness at times.
The Charity Commission said yes…….
Posted on May 1, 2014 Leave a Comment
Sorry for our few weeks of silence. We’ve been quietly squirreling away and dotting our (i)’s and crossing our (t)’s ! My fellow trustees and I, had some great news today. We have been given charitable status, by the charity commission, and have had our registration approved. We have some exciting things planned in our community and will be letting you all know shortly. Thanks for your patience and support, so watch this space and bear with us!
Big Thanks & Happy Easter
Posted on April 17, 2014 Leave a Comment
What a lovely surprise, a knock on the door and a present of a Easter Hamper from Intel and Care UK. Thanks for caring about our love ones, and going the extra mile.
Mr & Mrs
Posted on March 31, 2014 Leave a Comment
xxxxx Happy Mothers Day xxxxx
This feels like yesterday…………….
Thank God for Medicine!
Posted on March 24, 2014 Leave a Comment
Isn’t it amazing, how medicines can alter and change your life. My Dad has a (UTI ) Urinary Tract Infection, and Saturday the doctor from the out of hours service, came out in the evening and worked her magic. She checked him over and through her tests and deductions, she prescribed the right treatment, and gave us a probable diagnosis and some antibiotics. This morning his blood sugar readings are back to a normal rate and the (UTI) is leaving his system. Hurrah, for the NHS!!!!!
Now if the truth be known, I believe this (UTI) has been brewing in his system, for a while. But, it is so hard to know or recognize the symptoms, and what is going on sometimes, until it is too late. Its been such a long time since, he has had one, it didn’t even cross my mind. I thought it might have been my cooking, and/or eating late, as people with dementia sometimes have time and sleep issues. So, when I try to feed him his dinner its hit and miss. So, if he says hes hungry and its late, I oblige and have to keep him company, as he doesn’t like eating alone and his appetite is so temperamental.
Medication has changed our lives, like millions of people in the world, dad has had an insulin injection every day and his blood sugars are monitored, by the district nurses. His Alzheimer’s is monitored through the good people from the memory service and slowed down through prescribed medication, and it replaces chemicals in his system that the Alzheimer’s block.
The chance to live again, we have been given has allowed us the opportunity to enjoy the rest of my Dads life. These medicine patches allow the slow release of the medicine, and it has stopped and slowed down the repeating, so it happens less often. My Dad is able to show his sense of humour and personality and hold, interesting conversation, and take part in the world.
My wish is that Dads Alzheimer’s reverses and/or goes away. I know it won’t, and I’m a realist. I know its too late for us. But, I’m always interested in any alternative things we can do to help us. So, we’re now having porridge, with coconut oil added to it to help, in the morning. I read on the internet that, the oil helps to slow down the dementia. Now I don’t know how, or if it works. But, I’m gonna give anything a go, as you never know! Also, I’m going to buy a juicer/smoothie maker, so we can add it to the juice, its worth a try !
Is Ignorance Bliss?
Posted on March 12, 2014 2 Comments
Pre clinical Predication:- Good news or Bad?
Well I’m not sure to be honest? Finally some good news, I think…. What is it you ask? No, I haven’t won the lottery yet, but it kind of feels like it! Well if you’ve been watching the news, asking questions and reading about it.
You might have heard about a new blood test, which will be made available. It will be able to inform you, if you have a chance of developing Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment in the next three years. Apparently, the test involves identifying ten different fats in the blood, which are different to none dementia patients. The test is 90% accurate and is different to the normal research, using unconventional markers.These are significantly increased or decreased, than in the cognitively normal.
The test alone kind of opens up an ethical can of worms. So, its congratulations and/or commiserations all rolled into one !
Still so many questions????
What would I do with the information if I knew?
And what about those people, who don’t want to know?
Will it soon become a compulsory test at the doctors, and how will the insurance companies use it in their policies?
If you have the test, and your not at risk of developing it for the next three years. Does it mean you have to have the test every three years, to check you’ re still ok?
All I know is that I’m filled up emotionally, and its a mixed up happy and sad feeling, I have. I hope this breakthrough is used to advance further testing on a sample of people, who could really benefit from it.
Lets hope the right correlation sample of people are used, against some new drug trials which can show a significant win in the fight against DEMENTIA.
Fingers crossed and lets see!
Welcome to March # Pinch, punch and all that….lol
Posted on March 2, 2014 Leave a Comment
Not being funny, but, how can we be in March already, all of a sudden?
When we were younger, everything took ages, and time stood still and dragged. Now I just can’t believe how time flies, when your having fun or not. Lucky for dad and I, are fun ratio is about 80:20 most of the time…lol
We had a good weekend combination, of going out to the cinema and having some nice eats. Ride a Long with ICE T is well funny and worth a watch, its a good fun movie! We’ve had nice chilled out Sunday, TV, good food & wine, choons and dancing and boxing in the living room.
Fingers crossed, we get better weather and have more fun times and smiles ahead.xxxxxxxx
Question Time from Swindon
Posted on February 21, 2014 Leave a Comment
Two weeks ago, I saw at the end of QT that it was coming to Swindon, on the 20th Feb 2014. You know when you do something, before you think it through. Well that was me! I was really excited when I got the email in my inbox, after applying and not hearing anything. But in hindsight, I didn’t think how tired I was going to feel, after running around at our Health Event at Nuffield Health & Well Being two days before. All an all though, I am happy I attended, but I am disappointed not to have been able to ask a question, and my leaving with a rather numb bottom, I forgot I find it hard, to sit still for so long. But, as they say its the taking part, which counts. May be next time, or one day in my daydreams, I’ll be asked to be a panelist and I’ll bring my own pillow just in case!….lol
People who missed the show can still watch it by visiting
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03w4b0d/Question_Time_20_02_2014.
Don't be like that Stella 