“After a lot of research, my sister Sarah and I have hired live-in carers for mum and she’s so much more settled now. Even though she uses a wheelchair, that doesn’t stop her from enjoying watching the birds and other wildlife in the garden. We take her out for walks in the wheelchair as often as we can, which seems to really improve her sleeping.
“Mum organised a weekly lunch club in Nethybridge for many years and now attends herself when she can, which is good socialising for her.
“Mum also goes to Alzheimer Scotland’s Outdoor Dementia Resource Centre at Badaguish, which is such a brilliant resource. The location is so beautiful and mum loves being there. My sister and I go along too and there’s always something to learn, there’s lovely people to talk to and always tea, coffee and biscuits too.
“Mum loves singing along at the music days and the two of us even went out on the bike together at one of the accessible cycling events. The staff are amazing and it’s great to have other carers to talk to. It just takes your mind off everything and being amongst nature and socialising gives everyone such a boost.
“For mum, and for many people in a similar situation, staying connected to the community and to nature isn’t always easy but even taking small steps – to watch birds in the garden or go out for a short walk – can have huge benefits for your health and wellbeing.”
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