Christmas appeal: Raising funds to support more dementia carers like Rosie
Rosie’s first Christmas without mum – our urgent appeal to support other dementia carers
Please, donate £15 nowRosie unexpectedly became a carer for her mum when she was diagnosed with Young Onset Alzheimer’s Disease at only 58.
My life was turned upside down when mum was diagnosed with Young Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Most people around me were embarking on their careers and thinking of starting families, but I couldn’t. I became a carer for mum, and it was one of the loneliest and most challenging roles I could ever have imagined. Rosie
Rosie cared for her mum and helped her to stay living independently and safely in her own home for as long as possible. However, after a rapid decline in her mum’s abilities, Rosie found that she was doing literally everything for her mum. There was no choice but for her mum to move into a care home.
After the move, although her mum was surrounded by paid and professional carers, Rosie’s role as a carer never stopped. She was still a big part of her mum’s life. She visited regularly, took her out when she could and organised and attended her appointments. One of their regular highlights for spending time together, were their coffee and cake trips.
Rosie often felt alone and lost as a carer. She constantly wondered if she was doing the right thing. She came across our resources and found them incredibly helpful. We were also able to connect Rosie with other carers. She met people who understood exactly what she was going through and who became her support network.
Dementia Carers Count was a real lifeline. The charity’s support has been amazing. I’ve learnt so much from the information and resources it has, and I’ve found being connected with other carers really helpful. After a diagnosis, you’re on your own, in a vacuum, and there’s no one place to find help.
I don’t know what I would have done without Dementia Carers Count. Rosie
Rosie’s mum died earlier this year, and Rosie is facing her first Christmas without her. She’s sharing her story in the hope that it may inspire people to donate to support other dementia carers who desperately need practical and emotional support.
If you can, please
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