Jean McGlade, 68, has a diagnosis of vascular dementia. Last year, she decided to make a new start and moved to Croftspar Place, a supported living complex in the east end of Glasgow. Below, Jean tells us how she is getting on.
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I was born not far from here, just along the road in Parkhead. I lived there for years, with my Mum and two siblings. My parents separated when I was young and times were sometimes hard - but Mum gave us a happy life. As an adult, I settled not too far away and had my children, including my daughter Nicola.
Leading up to my diagnosis, I just knew something wasn’t quite right. I’d been getting terrible headaches every day which troubled me, I felt terrible in general. Then, I had a fall in the garden which really affected me. In the end, I had to visit hospital for something unrelated and as part of my treatment, I underwent an MRI scan. This showed I had fluid on the brain, so the doctors referred me to a specialist practice in Glasgow. After visiting there a few times, they told me I had dementia – which was a shock. I was so upset, and as Nicola says, “it was a real whirlwind experience".
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But then I thought, 'ok, I have dementia, and that’s it. I need to get on with it, and not give up, there’s a life still to be had'. Now, I take daily medication which helps me feel better so I can live life as independently as possible.
“We didn’t see it coming – but something that can be deemed sad, you can live with it. You can cope.” Nicola
As time went on, I started to feel unsafe at home and would call Nicola at all times of the day and night. She made some enquiries about Croftspar but at that point, all the flats were full. After just a couple of months, we got a call to say that one had become available which was great news. I’ve been here a year now, and it’s a hundred times better than before. It’s completely different – the people are so nice, the staff are good to me, and I feel 100% safe, day and night. Nobody can access my home without the staff knowing which is a great reassurance. If I need help, I just pull a cord – they’re all over my house!
It wasn’t hard to settle here, despite leaving my home of many years. As soon as I visited, I just knew it was for me. I knew I wanted to be here, I got a sense that the staff would be kind – and they are, they are amazing. There’s nothing they won’t do for me, they’re brilliant. If I’m feeling down, they’re here for me. If I’ve got a headache, they bring me medication. They spend a lot of time with me, we chat away when they bring my meals, and they make sure I’ve got everything I need.
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Day-to-day, I tidy my house, watch a bit of television, and spend time outdoors. Meals are prepared for me by the staff, then I wash up and return the crockery. Nicola often visits, sometimes bringing my favourite – macaroni cheese, and if I’m lucky, some nice desserts and sweets!
I can sit in my garden at the back of my flat, or chat to my neighbours in the shared space out the front. We shout, ‘hi’ to each other, which gives me a sense of security – but there’s a good balance between that and having my own privacy… it’s a good way of life.
I don’t know what I’d do without Croftspar and it’s also brought joy to Nicola which is tremendous. If you’re happy somewhere, it makes all the difference. It’s been a happy ending – definitely.
“I do have a lot of hope. I feel positive about the situation Mum is in – and hopefully she’ll be here for a long time.” Nicola
