Dementia Support Line
My amazing, beautiful, worldly, compassionate and...
My lovely 90 year old mum was diagnosed with a mix of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s desease 10 days ago after I flagged concerns. I am absolutely devastated and...
So mine is about my nan the most caring loving lady...
I wear my badge for my mom with late stage Mixed...
Anne my wife died recently. She suffered with...
As a private carer I am supporting a couple who have been together forever. The wife has Alzheimer's, the husband is doing a fantastic job caring for his much loved...
Supporting Peter – A Valued Member of Edenmore...
My Forget me not badge I’ve bought last few years...
Nanny Bet, unfortunately we lost our wonderful Nan to...
Vera has spent over 50 years as a carer. Caring for others was not simply her job, it shaped who she is. Although dementia has changed how she experiences the world,...
Heanton Nursing Home: Where Barbara’s Story...
My beautiful mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Vascular in 2020. We realized something was wrong when she couldn't remember names or places. Once diagnosed my mum...
My amazing, beautiful, worldly, compassionate and creative mother, Christina, I continue to learn from you, my best friend forever. As you always told me, it will pass.
Alessa
My lovely 90 year old mum was diagnosed with a mix of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s desease 10 days ago after I flagged concerns. I am absolutely devastated and the first thing I did was make a donation and order my forget me not badge x
Vanessa
So mine is about my nan the most caring loving lady I've ever known
She started with dementia in later 2021 and started to forget us late 2022
It has been a very tough few years seeing her forget her self and all her loved ones
dementia is a terrible disease but it courses so much more issues and upset for the family than it ever does for person dealing with it
Only advise I can give to anyone going through this is stay strong as family and live in their bubble don't stress them out when they can't remember you because it causes them more upset
Just make them comfortable take their favourite things in and show them love
She started with dementia in later 2021 and started to forget us late 2022
It has been a very tough few years seeing her forget her self and all her loved ones
dementia is a terrible disease but it courses so much more issues and upset for the family than it ever does for person dealing with it
Only advise I can give to anyone going through this is stay strong as family and live in their bubble don't stress them out when they can't remember you because it causes them more upset
Just make them comfortable take their favourite things in and show them love
Ryan wyles
I wear my badge for my mom with late stage Mixed Alzheimers and Vascular dementia-also in memory of my mother-in-law Joan who passed Aug 2023 from Dementia, for his nan who passed from it in 1980's and my own nan , moms mom passed from dementia in 1996. I care for mom as a unpaid family care giver daughter -
7 days a week ,my day starts 6am giving meds ,
1 st cup of tea, TV on, making her feel warm and safe #FORACURE #MAKEDEMENTIAAPRIORITY #CHC.
We have to have" HOPE" that by the end of this year the "CASEY COMMISSION " comes through for all our dementia loved ones and family care givers up and down the UK.🙏💙💠
7 days a week ,my day starts 6am giving meds ,
1 st cup of tea, TV on, making her feel warm and safe #FORACURE #MAKEDEMENTIAAPRIORITY #CHC.
We have to have" HOPE" that by the end of this year the "CASEY COMMISSION " comes through for all our dementia loved ones and family care givers up and down the UK.🙏💙💠
Lou Brindley
Anne my wife died recently. She suffered with Dementia for ten years. For the first 8 years I was her carer. Anne did an awful lot for the community, a church bell ringer for over 50 years, Brownie guider for 15 years, secretary to our charity museum for 19 years.
Richard
As a private carer I am supporting a couple who have been together forever. The wife has Alzheimer's, the husband is doing a fantastic job caring for his much loved wife at home. Over the last 6 months her disease has progressed and he valiantly and bravely turns up each and every day with very little respite, rest or relief from the relentless hamster wheel which is Alzheimer's. I go each week, twice a week for 3 hours and have nothing but admiration for the love, patience and kindness I witness and concern for his welfare as a full time carer as he has little time to recharge his batteries. I have witness on two occasions how those services meant to support them both fall short, where lack of cohesion and clarity make it so much more challenging for these carers to access help. The government and society must acknowledge and put carer support front and centre. This gentleman is awesome.
Carolyn
Supporting Peter – A Valued Member of Edenmore Nursing Home’s Community
Before settling in Ilfracombe, Peter lived a full and adventurous life. After a short stint in the army, he trained as a civil engineer, a career that took him across the world. He worked in Nigeria, where his daughters Sarah and Louise spent their childhood, and also in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China, Mongolia and Kathmandu!
Throughout those years, Peter was known as a fun, generous father and very much the life and soul of the party. His late wife Ann, who he called Annapeg, was one of five children. Her large family meant lively and loud get-togethers, filled with conversation and Peter’s unmistakable, booming laughter. Later in life, Peter and Ann chose to settle in North Devon, close to her birthplace of Braunton and the coast they both loved.
Around eight years ago, Peter was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. While he continued to live with support for some time, the grief of losing Ann in January 2023, who had been his primary carer, had a deep effect on him. Following a short stay in supported living, it became clear that full-time support would be a better fit for Peter.
Since moving to Edenmore, he has become a valued part of the home’s community. For a time, he took immense pride in his role as an honorary member of the maintenance team! When a position was advertised, Peter was keen to be interviewed and gave a fantastic interview. He regularly helped with small but meaningful tasks, such as sorting paperwork, supporting basic maintenance jobs and taking part in painting projects, including helping to paint a wall in Lundy House, one of the home’s households.
Being in Devon has remained grounding for Peter, offering familiar surroundings and a strong sense of place and belonging. The team have found that visits to the seaside offer a calming effect for Peter. Whether walking along the promenade, sitting quietly by the water or watching the waves roll in, time by the sea brings him a sense of contentment and focus.
To read the full story, please visit: https://www.edenmorenursinghome.com/supporting-peter-a-valued-member-of-ilfracombe-nursing-home-community/
Before settling in Ilfracombe, Peter lived a full and adventurous life. After a short stint in the army, he trained as a civil engineer, a career that took him across the world. He worked in Nigeria, where his daughters Sarah and Louise spent their childhood, and also in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China, Mongolia and Kathmandu!
Throughout those years, Peter was known as a fun, generous father and very much the life and soul of the party. His late wife Ann, who he called Annapeg, was one of five children. Her large family meant lively and loud get-togethers, filled with conversation and Peter’s unmistakable, booming laughter. Later in life, Peter and Ann chose to settle in North Devon, close to her birthplace of Braunton and the coast they both loved.
Around eight years ago, Peter was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. While he continued to live with support for some time, the grief of losing Ann in January 2023, who had been his primary carer, had a deep effect on him. Following a short stay in supported living, it became clear that full-time support would be a better fit for Peter.
Since moving to Edenmore, he has become a valued part of the home’s community. For a time, he took immense pride in his role as an honorary member of the maintenance team! When a position was advertised, Peter was keen to be interviewed and gave a fantastic interview. He regularly helped with small but meaningful tasks, such as sorting paperwork, supporting basic maintenance jobs and taking part in painting projects, including helping to paint a wall in Lundy House, one of the home’s households.
Being in Devon has remained grounding for Peter, offering familiar surroundings and a strong sense of place and belonging. The team have found that visits to the seaside offer a calming effect for Peter. Whether walking along the promenade, sitting quietly by the water or watching the waves roll in, time by the sea brings him a sense of contentment and focus.
To read the full story, please visit: https://www.edenmorenursinghome.com/supporting-peter-a-valued-member-of-ilfracombe-nursing-home-community/
Ayla Melville
My Forget me not badge I’ve bought last few years in memory of my Dad, he had Vascular Dementia for over ten years before we lost him. As a family we cared for him at home and with help and advice from the society and other medical staff we may not of had him as long, But we made some great memories and also things we never heard of all our lives. He will be forever missed but never forgotten thought and talked about everyday xx
Ann
Nanny Bet, unfortunately we lost our wonderful Nan to Alzheimer’s just April this year. She was a pure joy to be around and this disease takes so much from people. It would be amazing if a little money spent in her name supported other going through this journey too.
Gemma
Vera has spent over 50 years as a carer. Caring for others was not simply her job, it shaped who she is. Although dementia has changed how she experiences the world, that desire to care has never left her.
Vera now lives at thistle court care home and that act of wanting to care shows up everyday. As she moves through the home, she does not take bread from the “bakery shop” for herself. She takes it to give to others. (a space designed to reflect everyday routines, incorporating mock shops, a bus stop and sensory features such as an apple tree paired with an apple air freshener.) When she picks flowers from the “flower shop”, they are placed in shared spaces so others can enjoy them. She straightens tables, tidies communal areas, and hands over pieces of paper and a pen, believing she is passing on important information, even though the page remains blank.
These actions are not random. They are purposeful acts of care rooted in a lifetime of service. Telling Vera that she no longer works would not bring clarity, it would remove her sense of usefulness and strip away a role that defined her adult life. Instead, the team at Thistle Court step into Vera’s reality. They allow her to care. Supporting her to “work” safely, offering tasks that align with her lifelong identity and adapting the environment so her need to be active and helpful can be met without harm.
Baking is often part of life in the home. Vera, alongside others, may be given a bowl with flour and water, spending time mixing, kneading and engaging with the process. When the “baking” is finished, the team step away and return with bread or cakes, which Vera believes she has made herself. What matters is not whether the bread truly came from her hands, but the sense of achievement she experiences.
Bread-making is also used in another important way. Even for people who cannot eat solid food, the smell of fresh bread can be powerful. The home will place a slice nearby so the aroma can stimulate appetite. When someone is later supported with a puréed or soft diet, they are often more comfortable, more receptive and better able to eat.
At Thistle Court, these decisions are guided by weighing truth against the impact it may have. Allowing Vera to remain in a world where she is needed, protects her emotional wellbeing. For Vera, caring is who she has always been and who she still is. At Thistle Court, that identity is honoured, not corrected away.
To read the full story please visit : https://thistlecourtcarehome.com/2026/02/10/choosing-kindness-over-correction-at-thistle-court-care-home-in-cwmbran/
Vera now lives at thistle court care home and that act of wanting to care shows up everyday. As she moves through the home, she does not take bread from the “bakery shop” for herself. She takes it to give to others. (a space designed to reflect everyday routines, incorporating mock shops, a bus stop and sensory features such as an apple tree paired with an apple air freshener.) When she picks flowers from the “flower shop”, they are placed in shared spaces so others can enjoy them. She straightens tables, tidies communal areas, and hands over pieces of paper and a pen, believing she is passing on important information, even though the page remains blank.
These actions are not random. They are purposeful acts of care rooted in a lifetime of service. Telling Vera that she no longer works would not bring clarity, it would remove her sense of usefulness and strip away a role that defined her adult life. Instead, the team at Thistle Court step into Vera’s reality. They allow her to care. Supporting her to “work” safely, offering tasks that align with her lifelong identity and adapting the environment so her need to be active and helpful can be met without harm.
Baking is often part of life in the home. Vera, alongside others, may be given a bowl with flour and water, spending time mixing, kneading and engaging with the process. When the “baking” is finished, the team step away and return with bread or cakes, which Vera believes she has made herself. What matters is not whether the bread truly came from her hands, but the sense of achievement she experiences.
Bread-making is also used in another important way. Even for people who cannot eat solid food, the smell of fresh bread can be powerful. The home will place a slice nearby so the aroma can stimulate appetite. When someone is later supported with a puréed or soft diet, they are often more comfortable, more receptive and better able to eat.
At Thistle Court, these decisions are guided by weighing truth against the impact it may have. Allowing Vera to remain in a world where she is needed, protects her emotional wellbeing. For Vera, caring is who she has always been and who she still is. At Thistle Court, that identity is honoured, not corrected away.
To read the full story please visit : https://thistlecourtcarehome.com/2026/02/10/choosing-kindness-over-correction-at-thistle-court-care-home-in-cwmbran/
Rafaella Faccio
Heanton Nursing Home: Where Barbara’s Story Continues
Barbara Walsh was born in 1947 in Winchester, Hampshire. A lifelong passion of books, languages, and theatre, she studied French literature in Switzerland, performed on stage in London, and later built a meaningful career as an occupational therapist. Her life has been rich with learning, compassion, and quiet strength.
Her mind was exceptional. By age three, she could read, write, and speak fluently. However aside from her academic talents and intelligence, Barbara is kind. A love for animals has always been part of who Barbara is. She cared for two horses, attended horse shows, rode in point-to-point races, and confidently jumped high fences. The horses adored her, and the bond between them was clear.
But dementia does not recognise such achievements. It arrives quietly, then takes boldly, not just memories, but confidence, independence, and the ability to navigate day-to-day life.
Barbara’s diagnosis came in 2020, though the signs had appeared earlier. At first, she tried to carry on as normal. But when her beloved dog Monty died in 2023, everything changed. She began hiding things she couldn’t manage anymore, her phone, her computer, as fear and confusion crept in. Her world, once full of knowledge and connection, began to shrink.
Barbara now lives at Heanton Nursing Home, a place where care is centred on the person, not just the condition. When she first arrived, it took time for her to settle. Like many people living with a Dementia, trust was not immediate. But the team at Heanton didn’t rush. They listened. They adapted. They showed her she was still in control of her life.
Now, Barbara’s independence is supported in small but meaningful ways. When she wants to talk, to laugh, or even have a good rant someone is there, simply listening. Sometimes, that’s all that’s needed.
The bond between Barbara and the team has grown into something deeply personal. She even refers to one carer as her “adoptive daughter.” That kind of connection can’t be written into a care plan, it grows from compassion, consistency, and the belief that dementia does not erase identity.
At Heanton, we understand that dementia is a complex journey, one that takes courage and care to navigate. Our role is to walk alongside each person, never ahead of them, always with respect and love.
Barbara’s story continues here, not just with safety, but with meaning, dignity, and heart.
To read the full story please visit - https://www.heantonnursinghome.com/heanton-nursing-home-devon-complex-care/
Barbara Walsh was born in 1947 in Winchester, Hampshire. A lifelong passion of books, languages, and theatre, she studied French literature in Switzerland, performed on stage in London, and later built a meaningful career as an occupational therapist. Her life has been rich with learning, compassion, and quiet strength.
Her mind was exceptional. By age three, she could read, write, and speak fluently. However aside from her academic talents and intelligence, Barbara is kind. A love for animals has always been part of who Barbara is. She cared for two horses, attended horse shows, rode in point-to-point races, and confidently jumped high fences. The horses adored her, and the bond between them was clear.
But dementia does not recognise such achievements. It arrives quietly, then takes boldly, not just memories, but confidence, independence, and the ability to navigate day-to-day life.
Barbara’s diagnosis came in 2020, though the signs had appeared earlier. At first, she tried to carry on as normal. But when her beloved dog Monty died in 2023, everything changed. She began hiding things she couldn’t manage anymore, her phone, her computer, as fear and confusion crept in. Her world, once full of knowledge and connection, began to shrink.
Barbara now lives at Heanton Nursing Home, a place where care is centred on the person, not just the condition. When she first arrived, it took time for her to settle. Like many people living with a Dementia, trust was not immediate. But the team at Heanton didn’t rush. They listened. They adapted. They showed her she was still in control of her life.
Now, Barbara’s independence is supported in small but meaningful ways. When she wants to talk, to laugh, or even have a good rant someone is there, simply listening. Sometimes, that’s all that’s needed.
The bond between Barbara and the team has grown into something deeply personal. She even refers to one carer as her “adoptive daughter.” That kind of connection can’t be written into a care plan, it grows from compassion, consistency, and the belief that dementia does not erase identity.
At Heanton, we understand that dementia is a complex journey, one that takes courage and care to navigate. Our role is to walk alongside each person, never ahead of them, always with respect and love.
Barbara’s story continues here, not just with safety, but with meaning, dignity, and heart.
To read the full story please visit - https://www.heantonnursinghome.com/heanton-nursing-home-devon-complex-care/
Rafaella
My beautiful mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Vascular in 2020. We realized something was wrong when she couldn't remember names or places. Once diagnosed my mum took it all in her stride and just got on with life. At times she was sad, but mainly her happy self until 2024 when it really took hold. She became withdrawn, sad and full of anxiety. Worrying about things, becoming upset quickly and just generally low. We carried on taking her out to places she loved to visit like The Abbey gardens and Anglesey Abbey. Felixstowe was a real favourite of hers.
Sadly, eating became a real issue and she would struggle and worried about it, but we didn't stop taking her out, I just fed her and she seemed ok with me doing this for her. Toileting then started and this really had an inpact on her mood and her wanting to just stay in doors. She didnt like using any other toilet but her own at home. We had to support her with this as she couldn't manage this alone. Sadly Dementia takes away privacy and dignity as tasks that you have managed all your life just stop being manageable. However, we got through it and fully supported her which she allowed us to do. I felt like my mum was now my child and all the parts of life my mum had taught me, I was now using. Caring, patience, loving, nurturing, feeding, bathing, all personal care, sorting, teaching and supporting a loved one. Never once did I feel I couldn't do it. She was and always will be my mum and I would have done anything for her. The last year of my mums dementia journey was hard, heart breaking and a journey of discovery with strength I never thought I had. To watch your mum suffer, cry, shout, scream and struggle is the hardest time of my lifer and hers. To see her standing there with her head against the wall shouting that she didn't know what was happening and that something was in her head will stay with me forever. To listen to her ask who and where she was and that she wanted her mum was heart breaking. All I could do was to try and hold her and tell her how much she was loved. To watch my dad suffer and for him to see the woman he had loved for over 65 years turn into a shell was devastating and still breaks my heart just thinking about it.
After mum suffered from a few infections and hospital admissions, we made the decision to stop all medication that mum was taking for her heart. This was keeping her alive and keeping her nightmare alive. As much as I loved my mum and as much as I did not want her to die, I also couldn't sit back and watch her suffer day in and day out with this torture going on in her head. So, after her last hospital admission, mum came home with all the equipment needed and we looked after her until the end. We had a care company in for support and community nurses. They listened to us and supported the decisions we made for mum. The last two weeks were torture for us. Mum was asleep for most of it and was pain free. We weren't. To watch your mum laying in front of you, getting weaker and weaker every hour will be the most hardest time of my life. To not be able to listen to her voice again, not to be able to have a cuddle from her, not to be able to ask her advice or dance in the kitchen with her. I never thought that would come. But it had. The last words that my mum answered back were when I told her I loved her one day. Mum had been lying in the hospital bed for a few days at this point and mainly asleep, but she answered with "I know". This will stay with me forever as I know in my heart, she knew I was there and that she was loved more than anything. My mum passed away on the 9th November 2025. I miss her every day and am angry with Dementia for taking her away from me and my family. I have been grieving for over 5 years since the day of her diagnosis, but have kept strong for her and my dad. Laughing, joking, playing, cuddling, kissing, going back to family holidays, looking at photos, just making the most of every day.
Now, 6 months later, we have gone through our first christmas, our first mothers day and my first birthday without my mum being her. This has been tough and I have cried many tears but I have to keep strong for my dad who is still heartbroken and lost.
Life can be hard but, I feel blessed to have had my mum and I feel cherished and loved with the time we had together.
Sadly, eating became a real issue and she would struggle and worried about it, but we didn't stop taking her out, I just fed her and she seemed ok with me doing this for her. Toileting then started and this really had an inpact on her mood and her wanting to just stay in doors. She didnt like using any other toilet but her own at home. We had to support her with this as she couldn't manage this alone. Sadly Dementia takes away privacy and dignity as tasks that you have managed all your life just stop being manageable. However, we got through it and fully supported her which she allowed us to do. I felt like my mum was now my child and all the parts of life my mum had taught me, I was now using. Caring, patience, loving, nurturing, feeding, bathing, all personal care, sorting, teaching and supporting a loved one. Never once did I feel I couldn't do it. She was and always will be my mum and I would have done anything for her. The last year of my mums dementia journey was hard, heart breaking and a journey of discovery with strength I never thought I had. To watch your mum suffer, cry, shout, scream and struggle is the hardest time of my lifer and hers. To see her standing there with her head against the wall shouting that she didn't know what was happening and that something was in her head will stay with me forever. To listen to her ask who and where she was and that she wanted her mum was heart breaking. All I could do was to try and hold her and tell her how much she was loved. To watch my dad suffer and for him to see the woman he had loved for over 65 years turn into a shell was devastating and still breaks my heart just thinking about it.
After mum suffered from a few infections and hospital admissions, we made the decision to stop all medication that mum was taking for her heart. This was keeping her alive and keeping her nightmare alive. As much as I loved my mum and as much as I did not want her to die, I also couldn't sit back and watch her suffer day in and day out with this torture going on in her head. So, after her last hospital admission, mum came home with all the equipment needed and we looked after her until the end. We had a care company in for support and community nurses. They listened to us and supported the decisions we made for mum. The last two weeks were torture for us. Mum was asleep for most of it and was pain free. We weren't. To watch your mum laying in front of you, getting weaker and weaker every hour will be the most hardest time of my life. To not be able to listen to her voice again, not to be able to have a cuddle from her, not to be able to ask her advice or dance in the kitchen with her. I never thought that would come. But it had. The last words that my mum answered back were when I told her I loved her one day. Mum had been lying in the hospital bed for a few days at this point and mainly asleep, but she answered with "I know". This will stay with me forever as I know in my heart, she knew I was there and that she was loved more than anything. My mum passed away on the 9th November 2025. I miss her every day and am angry with Dementia for taking her away from me and my family. I have been grieving for over 5 years since the day of her diagnosis, but have kept strong for her and my dad. Laughing, joking, playing, cuddling, kissing, going back to family holidays, looking at photos, just making the most of every day.
Now, 6 months later, we have gone through our first christmas, our first mothers day and my first birthday without my mum being her. This has been tough and I have cried many tears but I have to keep strong for my dad who is still heartbroken and lost.
Life can be hard but, I feel blessed to have had my mum and I feel cherished and loved with the time we had together.
Carla
Share your story
However you’ve been affected by dementia, this is a place for you to share your Forget Me Not story with other people who get it.