"They supported us"

When my my Husband was first diagnosed with Alzheimer's at age 54 our whole family was rocked. We didn't know what to do and felt our whole future as a family had been demolished overnight! After a rocky start with the initial diagnosis and allocation of support the working age dementia team sprung into action and quickly became part of our world. They supported us with emotional and dementia strategies to support us through the initial stages as we came to terms with his diagnosis and prognosis for the future. They very quickly became one of the main players in paving the way to our new way of life and were always there to lend a hand or an ear when we just needed someone to talk to.

There was a lot of work to be done at the outset; forms to fill in, access to other areas of support - it felt, at times, very overwhelming. But, with their support and guidance the stress of all of this was lessened and they were our guides, every step of the way. My husband is very young and the activities and support that he needs is very different to many. The WAD team have adapted a lot of their programmes to make him feel welcome and to ensure that he feels included in activities.

We are now three years since his diagnosis and whilst we have been discharged by the team, I know that I can still contact them when things get tough or have a query.

The team are absolutely brilliant - they have had to adjust during the pandemic and have seen funding cuts to their teams but still carry on with their excellent support to patients and their families when they need it the most.