For seven years, Cheryl has been a devoted carer to her husband, who lives with young onset dementia and frontal lobe dementia. The path to his diagnosis was a complex one, filled with uncertainty and loneliness. With no nursing background, Cheryl found herself navigating a new world of caring for her husband after a seven-week hospital stay.
In the initial months, Cheryl wrestled with self-doubt and guilt, questioning whether she was doing too much or too little. It was a challenging period, but with time, she found support and established a network of people she could rely on.
Their lives took an unexpected turn with the diagnosis. Plans for a peaceful retirement filled with fishing trips quickly evaporated. Yet, Cheryl and her husband chose to focus on what they could control – how they lived with the changes.
They now continue to find joy in life, taking weekend trips to concerts in Bunbury and planning a cruise for the following year. Despite the dementia, they eagerly anticipate the times that they have to enjoy life.
Throughout this journey, Cheryl has remained committed to her husband of 31 years. His illness has not diminished his personhood in her eyes. She cares for him, helps him maintain his dignity, and has grown to understand that the changes aren’t anyone’s fault.
However, Cheryl admits that the journey of a carer can be frustrating. She has grappled with feelings of abandonment and loneliness but has been able to acknowledge and address these feelings with the support of others like her.
The importance of understanding and support became even clear when Cheryl connected with Carers WA. She received an invitation to a meeting for a Peer Support Group in Mirrabooka. Despite initial hesitation, she decided to give it a try and the experience was transformative.
Through Carers WA, Cheryl found a community of individuals who were going through similar experiences. They shared stories, provided support, and even met outside of the group’s formal meetings. More importantly, Cheryl learned to love herself and realise she wasn’t alone.
Cheryl says, “We’ve all got a strength in us, but we don’t always know how to bring that out. And I’ve learnt through Carers WA that that’s what you can do and be a better person.”
Cheryl’s story is a testament to her resilience and strength. She believes that everyone going through similar journeys should reach out for support, as it could lead to them to their own journey of self-discovery and a supportive network of people who understand.
