Brigid's Story
Brigid, a former linguist and teacher, was diagnosed as having dementia in 2010.
She has stayed in her own home, even though she lives alone, and enjoys her garden.
She says: “I do feel different now. I have dementia. I did not expect to get it. I assumed I could just go on and on. Now I have to go day by day.”
Last year Brigid was interviewed at our Alzheimer cafes in Westbury and East Grafton. She spoke honestly about what it was like to live on her own with dementia and answered questions. She has also produced a number of helpful tips for anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation.
Brigid’s tips for living alone with dementia
Continue to live in the same neighbourhood amongst friends you know.
- It is important for me to know my way around the same house and roads
- I can always ask for help
I want to stay in my house as long as I can.
- I am prepared to accept more care and support here
Tell people what is wrong with you.
- I say that I have Alzheimer’s Disease and I’ve stopped feeling embarrassed
- Most people want to help
Go out and see your friends.
- I recently went on a cruise on the Danube and really enjoyed it
- I asked another friend if they wanted to go and hear Joan Baez at the City Hall. They arranged the tickets and I will go with them as I can’t go out alone in the evening anymore
Be prepared to do less and don’t push yourself.
- I cannot do two things in one day any more
- If it is a ‘bad day’ I say to myself, “Don’t push yourself too much!”
I don’t like too much noise.
- Sudden noises bother me more
I cannot read a book now.
- The lines merge into each other, so I now listen to ‘talking books’
It takes me longer to cook.
- But I can remember old recipes more easily
I try to fit in with whatever my family arrange.
- But it can be difficult as they all live a long way away
When I am down I laugh with others.
- That is why the Memory Support Group run by Elizabeth and Marie encourages and supports me. We laugh a lot there.
In 2011 Brigid joined a Memory Support Group led by Elizabeth Bartlett and Dr Marie Mills that meets in Laverstock, Salisbury. In the group she meets other people with dementia and they share their experiences of living with dementia. Click here for more information about the group.
Donate Now
We rely on donations to fund our work. This year we need to raise £236,000 to maintain our services
Don't Face Dementia Alone
Working Together:
