My wife: In care and still caring

I got a report from a staff member/carer in my wifes dementia unit yesterday. My wife was herself a nurse in aged care and unit manager as her career, before dementia came calling..
It seems that one of the fellow residents was in the final stages and fading fast. Non communicative and bed ridden. And my wife took it upon herself to spend her whole day sitting by her bed, just talking to her and holding her hand.. She had to be called away for meals, then returned immediately after.. This went on for four days, until the old lady, who had no one to visit her or wish her farewell, passed in the night.. For four days, my wife was the nurse carer she always wanted to be for her residents. I dont think I have ever been as proud of her as I am right now.. Thats just who she still is underneath it all. Seeing someone who had no one didnt feel alone and forgotten.😷

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SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

What a beautiful and uplifting story. Hopefully taking on this role will assist with the management of her own condition.

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@SunshineGirl She regularly helps with feeding and engagesn with those who might just vegitate otherwise. Of course, most of the time talking to me she thinks she runs the unit, or we own the place..😷

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@whowasthatmaskedman There is a teenage girl on my wife's ward who will probably never leave the hospital again as her terminal condition is too complicated to manage from home. She helps out with reading stories and just sitting with and talking to other children. When she is well enough the nurses talk to her as though she is a trained auxiliary. This has greatly improved the quality of what is left of her short life.

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@SunshineGirl Of course.. It gives her days meaning. And thats how she will make a difference with her contribution. Something we all aspire to..😷