Let me share my story, before you share yours…

Where my journey began:

As a 30-year-old in the dementia-world, I often find myself in a situation where I have to explain that I’m not here to visit my grandmother, I’m actually the person presenting the course or conducting a consultation. To make matters worse, when applying for my first part time position at a retirement facility, I promptly said I’m not fond of working with the elderly! Heaven only knows how I landed that position, but heaven had actually blessed me with my true calling. Something I like to call; “dementia memories!”

But, life had to take some unexpected turns to teach me the toolset needed to assist people influenced by dementia. It’s these difficult times combined with my years of education that have taught me how I can make a difference. Using the heartache and frustration of “Why me!”, to my advantage, has given me a skill set to assist others on their dementia journey, and most importantly; taught me something I refer to as “Problem solving mode!” Something I will teach you too!

The two most challenging turns in my life, setting me on this path, would be the day my sister suffered a head injury caused by an unknown virus and the day my father unexpectedly passed away.

My sisters head injury

The day came that turned my whole world upside-down, one of my sisters contracted a virus that attacked her brain. The doctors gave her no chances of survival. And should she survive the treatments and therapies, she would be completely paralyzed for the rest of her life.

Standing beside my sister`s hospital bed was a reality shock, I felt so helpless. Despite her non-responsive state with pipes all over, I started to do passive stretches on her. And after many miracles, I found myself as a newlywed with my sister staying with us in order for me to begin her rehabilitation as her therapist. The fact that my marriage survived this was only by the grace of God.

For the next 2 years I completed every possible course in order to assist my sister on the road to recovery. I was amazed at the skills learnt and the progress she was making. I suddenly felt that I had the best job on earth.

Today my sister is functioning well within the range of her abilities, but unfortunately, no degree could bring back the sister we knew. After trying for 5 years to reintegrate her into the community, she found her own peace in working in the kitchen of a home for mentally challenged adults – loving every moment.

My father’s passing

Without any warning, tragedy struck. While out on a hunting trip, my father suffered a severe heart attack and passed on. He was still relatively young and left us all with so many unanswered questions. If only we had the chance to say goodbye. All this after our family has had more than our fair share of standing at open graves greeting those close to us. Dealing with his loss showed me the emotions you need to go through and process. It’s not an easy road, and I can honestly say that you just want someone to hold your hand and tell you it was all one big nightmare.

I know life can be unfair and it’s never the “right time”, but what I have learnt is life should be celebrated and you should embrace every moment. Even the tough ones.

The time I spend with families, who eventually become friends, has rewarded me with the best memories of which I will always cherish. Working in the dementia world has allowed me to default to problem solving mode. Even though the people I work with might not have the ability to remember what I have done, I have the ability to remember. I have the ability to cherish every moment. I have the ability to celebrate with people and their families.

There are so many experiences that have aided my dementia journey. I enjoy assisting others in their dementia journeys, going through their emotions, and the motions.

Now it’s time to start our journey...

My Credentials:

• B.Occupational Therapist (University of the Free State UFS)
• Neuro-developmental techniques (Adults)
• Tomatis Practitioner
• MOOC- Dementia Certificate
• CogNet
• Sensory Intelligence –Dr Annemarie Lombaard
• Completed Dr Allen Power’s Dementia Beyond Drugs in London 2013