How Sharon became a carer as well as a wife

January 7, 2013 Carers, dementia

SHARON Armstrong’s life changed forever when her husband was diagnosed with working age dementia.

The 56-year-old of Synge Close, Clifton, became a carer as well as a wife.

She said: “I noticed things just around the house, he was leaving taps running and his co-ordination went.

“He puts his clothes on the wrong way round and has total disorientation when he goes out.

“He can’t remember what he wants to tell you.

Her husband Steven was diagnosed in March of 2012, aged 59, and is now unable to play the sports he loves or drive his car.

His condition also means that he has recurring nightmares and can hallucinate in the daytime.

Sharon said: “Steven’s not the person I married. It’s like someone’s chopped off my arm or I’ve been bereaved. It’s not the same as it was.

“He feels resentful and it comes out in family life sometimes.”

Sharon, who works part-time for the city council, said the working age dementia scheme has given them a new lease of life.

She said: “He needs things like the football. And they’re the only days I get peace of mind that he’s doing things and he’s safe.

“It’s only a couple of hours but I can do some shopping or call in and see my mum.”

Steven worked in the ink industry and had a high profile job as a customer services executive.

It is now difficult for him to be independent or sociable but the sessions change that for him.

Sharon said: “It’s integration, he’s with other people in the same situation as himself.

“His visual and spatial awareness is not very good but they can teach him the best way to do things.

She added: “He can have a laugh with the guys and he has somewhere to go.

“I think it’s very important. From a carer’s point of view I get to meet up with other carers, we help each other and advise each other.”

Sharon is also taking on the fight for funding herself having written to local councillors and Steven’s old company to see whether they can help.