"Grateful for the ongoing love and care for my Mum"

My Mum,

Loving, gentle, supportive, creative, fit, I could go on and on with the positive attributes of my Mum.

She cared for my Dad throughout his many operations, after his jaw broke and he was diagnosed with cancer, always there to help her family, friends, neighbours or even a stranger. She was such a beautiful person.

I could see the change in her as my Dad was taking his last breaths. Like two pieces of a puzzle, together since Mum was 16 years old. They would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in September and this was May. Mum’s world was falling apart and ours with her.

Her local GP suggested she was suffering with an extreme delirium and I vividly remember their words, “But if this goes on for a few weeks we have real problems.”

Twelve months to the day of Dad’s death, Mum was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Obviously heartbroken with the diagnosis, we were at least relieved to finally have some answers to all those frightening changes we had been experiencing with Mum. We were exhausted both physically and mentally, trying every avenue to keep Mum home with us but it had become clear we were not equipped to give her the care she needed.

Mallee Track Health and Community Service offered us the support and knowledge we desperately required. There were still many tears and anxious times to come but even as I spoke to Lyndal and Lois regarding their Aged Care Facility, I could feel the weight lifting.

Mum’s journey has been horrendous there is no denying, she has suffered greatly and is far from the person she once was. The transition into care wasn’t easy but I found some comfort knowing she was safe and loved and that she has acknowledged that too in days gone by. 

The staff at MTH&CS have become her extended family.

I receive photos and videos, of Mum flower arranging or sharing beautiful moments with a staff member’s new baby, who has taken the time to visit. Often staff members would call into my workplace to share a funny story or a positive occurrence with me when I was unable to visit especially during lockdowns. Tai-Chi, singing, time in the garden watering plants, just a few of the many activities shared with Mum by staff and volunteer members. A very special staff member would organise to FaceTime with me when visits weren’t possible due to covid and another would make sure Mum would have her favourite earrings on to match her outfit. A special morning tea made for Mum because one day she mentioned she’d like it. Doris Day songs often help calm her when she is anxious and unsettled, or a little rhyme recited to create a distraction, those observations made and used to make a difference. One of the maintenance crew even takes his dog for the occasional visit.

I am so grateful for the ongoing love and care my Mum receives at Mallee Track Health and Community Service in the small town of Ouyen, Victoria.