'Drive-Time' Confessions

[Richard A Thackeray]

On the off-chance, did anyone else hear the 'Confession' on Simon Mayo 'Drive-Time' (Radio 2 17:00 - 19:00) on Wedneday??

It was a wonderful story, & helped to restored faith in human nature, for many - not just me
I was driving my daughter & a friend back to School for an end of term party, so had to pretend that the damp eyes were due to the draught from having my window open
Please listen to it, & tell me (honestly!), if it has the same effect on you...........

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0223027

 

[Saluki]

I heard this. I had to pull over as I felt all weepy. It was a lovely lovely story. What a nice chap to have brought so much pleasure to that lady's last few weeks on Earth.

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Fantastic, thanks!

I have something in my eye now!

 

[Archie_tect]

Strange thing to write into Simon May's Confessions about though, since it wasn't one.
My uncle, who was Polish and had a violent and deeply traumatised life throughout WWII, got dementia. His attitude towards life changed because he'd forgotten the living nightmares and re-discovered his lasting love for my aunt. He was a totally different person, unburdened by his memories. It was an unexpected but welcome benefit of an otherwise awful disease.

 

[Beebo]

Get a grip man!
It's a nice tale, but didnt move me to tears.

 

[CopperBrompton]

A lovely story.

I formed the view that the kindest response to dementia is simply to go along with it when it brings happiness when my paternal grandmother had it. She was clearly reliving much younger years and mistook me for her son. She was happy to spend time with 'him' and I was happy to see her happy.

 

[Ganymede]

A lovely story.

I formed the view that the kindest response to dementia is simply to go along with it when it brings happiness when my paternal grandmother had it. She was clearly reliving much younger years and mistook me for her son. She was happy to spend time with 'him' and I was happy to see her happy.

There's a whole system of care based on this called Contented Dementia. I've found it immensely helpful dealing with my Dad. Basically the rules are "no contradicting, no direct questions". Some dementia experts don't like it because they say you are lying to the sufferer, but you're not, you're just entering into their version of reality - it's like joining in a game. http://www.contenteddementiatrust.org/