"An unwanted journey but lots of care and love"

The journey started in August 2024. I was asked to take my husband into Great Oaks so he could have his medication sorted in an environment where there was all the medical staff needed to do it safely. Neither of us wanted this as we had never been apart before.

To cut this story short. He settled in eventually and we got into a routine of me visiting daily. The staff were encouraging in every way to help him come out of his room and join in the activities and have his meals with the other patients. Every day I went in and at least one of the staff would ask how I was feeling. They saw something in me I didn’t want to show. Exhaustion, guilt and fear.

Light the OT approached to see if we would be interested in a social for patients and carers she was starting up. Wasn’t sure how long it would last with the nature of the illnesses. The first social was getting to know one another, very polite with each other until the games started, then the competition was on. The second social got a little deeper, this was when I realised the fears I had tried to hide was shared by every other carer and I wasn’t alone. So pleased that Light had started this social.

Whilst there we found out my husband had illnesses for years longer than we thought. Not only mixed dementia but severe mental illnesses as well.

We didn’t want him go into Laurel ward but the care and love shown to both of us has definitely changed our minds. All I can say to every member of staff is a great big thank you. Love to everyone of you x