Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Kent and Medway Care Alliance, Barbara spoke eloquently and passionately about her and her husband Malcolm’s journey through the care system when he was diagnosed with dementia.
Barbara and Malcolm’s case was highlighted in a television documentary that followed Malcolm through his final weeks and days of living with dementia, and the care he received. After Malcolm passed away, Barbara went on to become a Dementia Ambassador lecturing and giving talks across the UK, passing on the experience she had gained and calling for changes in how the NHS and social care sector work with people with dementia.
One of the most interesting facets of Barbara’s talk was the way in which it reflected exactly what we at Home Instead are already trying to do… Working inclusively with other professionals to the benefit of the client and carer; acting as support for the carer and not just the person receiving care; working in a person-centred way rather than task-driven.
Other points Barbara made are also services Inchwater Home Care offer as standard good practice: personalised advice on care, signposting to other advisors and support groups, emotional support and, possibly most importantly, a human being with whom the carer and person with dementia can trust.
Certainly one of the most poignant talks I have listened to, but also one of the most powerful.