Jo describes the importance of staying connected to nature for her mum Sue, who is living with mixed dementia
Jo
"My mum Sue has always loved the outdoors and staying connected to nature is now more important to her than ever.
"She was diagnosed with mixed dementia – a combination of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease – in 2021. When she was younger she was very active and loved to go skiing and horse riding, she played tennis and would walk the dogs for hours.
"Mum’s 77 now and has lived alone in the family home since my dad Sandy passed away in 2008. It’s in a very rural spot near Aviemore, with a big garden and gorgeous views of the countryside.
"She’s had issues with her mobility for almost 30 years, but in the past couple of years she’s had to use a wheelchair to get out and about. As her dementia has progressed, she has become increasingly confused. She started forgetting to take her medication and then last year she had to give up her driving licence. We did look at alternative places for her to live but nowhere was quite right and we worried that moving her would make her condition worse.
Sue 2
"After a lot of research, my sister Sarah and I have hired live-in carers for mum and she’s so much more settled now. Even though she uses a wheelchair, that doesn’t stop her from enjoying watching the birds and other wildlife in the garden. We take her out for walks in the wheelchair as often as we can, which seems to really improve her sleeping.
"Mum organised a weekly lunch club in Nethybridge for many years and now attends herself when she can, which is good socialising for her.
"Mum also goes to Alzheimer Scotland’s Outdoor Dementia Resource Centre at Badaguish, which is such a brilliant resource. The location is so beautiful and mum loves being there. My sister and I go along too and there’s always something to learn, there’s lovely people to talk to and always tea, coffee and biscuits too.
"Mum loves singing along at the music days and the two of us even went out on the bike together at one of the accessible cycling events. The staff are amazing and it’s great to have other carers to talk to. It just takes your mind off everything and being amongst nature and socialising gives everyone such a boost.
"For mum, and for many people in a similar situation, staying connected to the community and to nature isn’t always easy but even taking small steps – to watch birds in the garden or go out for a short walk – can have huge benefits for your health and wellbeing."