The Good Care Group - Condition Sheet - Dementia Care - Flipbook - Page 4
HELPING STEVE TO LIVE WELL WITH DEMENTIA
“My husband Steve is 88 and has vascular dementia. For many years now I have been his primary carer, looking after
him every day. Recently, his condition had been worsening. He would get very insecure, anxious and agitated if
I were not around – even if I popped to the bathroom it would unsettle him. He would get angry and think I was
leaving him. Essentially housebound, I was finding it harder and harder to cope. It was a relentless strain and
I reached breaking point. He was prescribed anti-psychotic medication, but if anything, it made things worse.
They did not stop the aggression or paranoia and they seemed to have a negative effect on him, mentally
and physically. Something had to change, and it did when we found The Good Care Group given their expertise
in dementia care. They told me about the SPECAL technique. It works with the condition, rather than fighting
against it. Their carers began to use it to talk to Steve about his career as a pilot and found that he still had so
many positive memories of flying all over the world. It would take him back to happier days. He was no longer
this elderly, frightened and sometimes frightening man with dementia. He was a dashing 30-year old pilot,
king of his world. But he would still get very upset and angry if he felt that I had gone somewhere without him.
It was tough for the care team and meant I still could not take the break I really needed.
Again, the key was in the past. I used to run a florist shop – something that Steve was proud of but never took
an active interest in. So, when I needed a break, we would say there was a problem at the shop that I needed to
sort out. He would roll his eyes with relief he did not need to be involved and began to accept me being away
from him for longer periods. Eventually, I was even able to have a two-week holiday in France with my daughter,
knowing that Steve was safe and well at home. Now we have done away with the medication and hardly have
any of the outbursts that were so challenging before. My daughter and I have regular days out together and the
occasional holiday abroad. It makes such a difference to be able to take that time to recharge.
I feel like Steve’s wife again, not his carer. The professional carers and support from The Good Care Group have made
a huge difference and Steve gets all the love, care and attention he deserves. I cannot thank them enough.”
– Steve’s Wife
WHY CHOOSE THE GOOD CARE GROUP?
Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality
Commission (CQC) – in all five measures
Highly trained professional carers
Nurse-led care developed by clinical experts
In-house OT and Specialist Consultant Nurse
Multidisciplinary approach to care
Improved health outcomes using digital technology
Fully managed service with employed carers
Care management experts local to you
Unrivalled family support
Talk to our friendly and approachable team
today about your dementia care needs - we are
here to help you and your family every step
of the way.
020 3728 7577
thegoodcaregroup.com
