So dementia. It sucks. Just like any condition. But that doesn’t mean I can’t talk about it as if it’s the most important thing right now, it’s all relative. Literally. My dad has frontotemporal dementia (FTD for short).
I ran 5k today to raise awareness.
I’ve been thinking whilst running and realised that I cannot change the condition, I cannot change that my dad has it, that I may too, but what I can change is me. Change my reaction to it, to him, to others with it, to those that are carers (professional and non). It’s funny (well not at all really) that when someone has a diagnosis we respond differently, we only want the best for them, no more cross words, we want dreams to be achieved…but how many of us have underlying conditions or a tragic accident around the corner…not meaning to be morbid but we are all heading that way. So, let’s really truly try our best, and then some more, to be nice and kind to each other and ourselves, and live in the moment. I’m not saying enjoy each moment, because sometimes moments are shit, but each moment means we are alive.
Whilst running I saw so many trees, plants, flowers, birds, and I just don’t know what they are. I reckon my dad would know some. I wish he could come back to Australia one day ☹️.
At the 5k point, I wanted to take a photo of a tree, but where I ended up was on a concrete bridge. Not my plan. In fact I had thought about my end goal a lot. I could’ve done a 5k run back to my favourite tree, but that is my special tree, not my dad’s tree. I could’ve taken a photo at my halfway-point tree, but today the tide was high so it looked a bit odd. Also I knew that I needed to keep going, repeat what I had just done, and my legs were already feeling heavy. I could hear the words of my sister, and no doubt my mum saying “at least you’ve got legs Stephie.” So on I went. In the end, as you can see, I took a photo of ‘recycled’ trees, turned into story poles, reminding us of the importance of the Cooks river and ecology to Aboriginal people, past present and future. My dad would like that. I liked that.
Stories. Keep talking. Keep sharing.
Stripes and trees xxx
Stripes & Trees 
Dementia in all its forms, shapes, colour and sizes happens to or affects pretty much everyone at come point and it is the most important thing for anyone living with it so you talk and talk and keep talking about your Dad as much as you like and for as long as you like
Props and huge respect to you running the 5k good God I can barely run a tap without getting out of puff. Also those trees are stunning. I’m a huge fan of trees and poles and all things wood carvings and creations. Children affectionately refer to me as a stinking hippie because I’m never happier when covered in mud and in amongst trees. Your tree reminded me of original native “Blackfish” totem carved ornaments I’ve been after for ages.
Keep running, keep talking and keep telling your Dad about the trees and what you’re up to. Also be sure to keep us posted as well 🙂
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Thank you Auntysocial, it means a lot that you took time to not only read, but to leave a supportive comment 😊. You sound wise and wonderful, I hope you find your ornaments. And keep getting stinky, nature is such a healer.
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Not sure why but I’ve missed the last lot of posts somewhere amongst the feed but oddly enough caught the most recent one just as I was in the middle of all things trees.
Long and short I’m doing some work with a dementia care home which sadly was placed in special measures having been allowed to bomb by the managers and directors.
It’s not all bad news though because the manager and directors had their registration cancelled and a new management team was brought in as a short-term, temporary measure.
The home is filthy and in a state of almost disrepair so alongside all the other plans, I set aside a small amount to squirrel away and spend on redecoration.and a good old strip out, deep clean, spruce up with new coat of paint and give it a new lease of life.
Literally just ordered some subtle but stunning wall murals and prints for communal lounge areas and what I’m planning to turn into a small sensory relaxation room and study.
Trees. I want to bring trees inside and let them do the work 🙂
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You are amazing! What wonderful ideas and even better to make them happen. Where are you? Wonder if I can help in any way?
The situation sounds a bit like my dad’s home. It had terrible ratings and now with new management and some families willingness to take the plunge, the home is vibrant and alive and they are accomodating my dad so well – hanging his treasured art work, shelves for ceramics and even building a greenhouse! Sensory all the way I say!!
Best of luck with your project.
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I’m from the UK (Northern England) but fingers crossed we’re headed for the up and towards a long-term goal. Thanks for the offer to help though I may well come back in the future just because I like getting as many different thoughts, ideas and suggestions from as many different people the world over.
Your Dad’s place sounds like the new management team have it sussed and are doing a good job of things – glad to hear it.
Had a strange career that started out in law, then sidestepped briefly into health and social care and I eventually found my “niche” if you will in dementia care management, compliance and safeguarding.
This home I’m working with now lost its registration to provide nursing care (used to be registered for residential, nursing and dementia) so whereas that is a really negative bummer and downside of things, I see it as potential for using the extra space and empty rooms to use for other stuff.
Biggest and most challenging factor with any home like this is getting its reputation behind it and hopefully, showing the wider world its commitment to change and give the best possible care not just tick boxes and show willing.
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