“I never expected to care for Dad in my 20s” | Lizzie’s story
09/25/24 • 30 min
When it comes to father-daughter relationships, Rob and Lizzie’s couldn’t have been stronger. They shared a love for the outdoors, music and sport, and were always finding ways to make each other laugh.
When Rob began to struggle with driving in his mid-50s, the family knew something was wrong, but the prospect of dementia didn’t cross their minds. A few years later, Rob was diagnosed with young onset frontotemporal dementia. He was 58 years old, and Lizzie was just 24.
Lizzie suddenly found herself navigating young adulthood while also adapting to her new role as a part time carer to her dad. In this episode, she discusses the drastic change in family roles, the importance of compassion and processing the loss of her dad, who died a few months before this recording.
Further resources:
- Find out more about Dementia UK and the life-changing support of Admiral Nurses
- Access information and resources about young onset dementia, where symptoms develop before the age of 65
- Read tips and advice to help parents support children and adolescents when the other parent has young onset dementia
- Find young onset dementia support groups and services
- Read personal stories from people living with a diagnosis, their family members and friends
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When it comes to father-daughter relationships, Rob and Lizzie’s couldn’t have been stronger. They shared a love for the outdoors, music and sport, and were always finding ways to make each other laugh.
When Rob began to struggle with driving in his mid-50s, the family knew something was wrong, but the prospect of dementia didn’t cross their minds. A few years later, Rob was diagnosed with young onset frontotemporal dementia. He was 58 years old, and Lizzie was just 24.
Lizzie suddenly found herself navigating young adulthood while also adapting to her new role as a part time carer to her dad. In this episode, she discusses the drastic change in family roles, the importance of compassion and processing the loss of her dad, who died a few months before this recording.
Further resources:
- Find out more about Dementia UK and the life-changing support of Admiral Nurses
- Access information and resources about young onset dementia, where symptoms develop before the age of 65
- Read tips and advice to help parents support children and adolescents when the other parent has young onset dementia
- Find young onset dementia support groups and services
- Read personal stories from people living with a diagnosis, their family members and friends
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode
“I didn’t think you could get dementia at 52” | Andy’s story
When Andy was diagnosed with young onset dementia in his early 50s, it felt like a door was suddenly slammed shut. The life he'd imagined with his partner Christine was going to look very different.
For months after his diagnosis, Andy withdrew from the world. He felt that he had no future. But over time, with the support of Christine and their dementia specialist Admiral Nurse, Andy found a purpose again. Through sporting events, campaigning and raising awareness, he wants people to see that people with dementia can still live full lives.
This episode contained a reference to suicidal ideation and other themes relating to mental health. If this has caused you distress, free mental health support is available from Mind. You can call their confidential Infoline on 0300 123 3393.
Further resources:
- Find out more about Dementia UK and the life-changing support of Admiral Nurses
- Access information and resources about young onset dementia, where symptoms develop before the age of 65
- Learn more about employment and young onset dementia
- Read personal stories from people living with a diagnosis, their family members and friends
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode
"Being a husband and a carer was a big adjustment" | James's story
James's late wife Maria was diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer's disease when she was 56 years old.
As a couple, they found themselves on an unexpected path – moving through the different stages that followed her diagnosis. James tried to strike the balance between maintaining his wife’s independence while ensuring her safety. It was a balance that became increasingly difficult.
In this episode, he shares his perspective on caring for Maria, from noticing early signs through to grappling with the move into full-time care. He also touches on the vital support he received from their dementia specialist Admiral Nurse.
Further resources:
- Find out more about Dementia UK and the life-changing support of Admiral Nurses
- Access information and resources about young onset dementia, where symptoms develop before the age of 65
- Read tips and advice to consider when looking for a care home for a younger person who has dementia
- Read personal stories from people living with a diagnosis, their family members and friends
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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