Many people are surprised to learn that we offer dementia support at St Cuthbert’s Hospice. For many these groups and sessions have become a lifeline.
Allan & Margaret's Story
“I didn’t know the Hospice offered dementia care groups and now I don’t know what I’d do without them. The team have almost become like family to me.”
When Allan’s wife Margaret was diagnosed with dementia over 8 years ago, he remembers that they both felt lost.
“There was no help sheet. No real practical support. Margaret was told to take a tablet a day and off you pop. We muddled along with things. The hard bit is knowing where to go for support and what’s available to you. The national charities can only do so much. The real need is here, right on your own doorstep.”
“Luckily I don’t struggle to get out and talk to people and I knew I needed to get Margaret some help. For some men, it can be hard to get out of their comfort zone and consider going to carers groups or dementia sessions, but I’d urge them to go for it. Make contact and get out there. When Margaret attended the groups it did so much good for her. You’d see her be visibly lifted and her face would light up.”
Allan met Margaret in the theatre world and they both enjoyed shows, singing and performing.
“It took Margaret a few weeks to settle into the dementia sessions but she soon became the star of the show. She became familiar with both the place and the staff. She loved to see them and they loved to see her. As her illness progressed she could no longer put a sentence together but she could still sing. Music sort of flicked a switch in her brain and made her happy.”
Margaret died peacefully at home in August 2024.
“The Hospice was almost the last place I’d expect to get help. I’m still attending the sessions now and keep in touch with everyone. They’re all going through things with their partners and they’ve become good friends, so if I can share my experiences to help them then that’s great. I know that the hard bit of dementia for any family experiencing it can be knowing where to find the support. If you or someone you know needs help, please consider the Hospice. They were an incredible support to Margaret, and continue to be for me too.”
Find out more about our community groups in Chester-le-Street and the Namaste Groups. The specialist Dementia Admiral Nurse Service can be accessed through these groups or separately. Referrals can be made by any health professional, though a formal diagnosis of dementia is not essential.
