On the road to a small positive
Derek went cycling today. As someone who once spent hours on a racing bike it may seem unremarkable, for Derek it was extraordinary.
Derek has early onset dementia, its arrival a rude interruption to the life plans he had shared with his wife Jane. It’s a difficult time for both of them, with Derek’s problems exacerbated by a visual impairment and with diabetes reducing his mobility. Much of the time, he is distant, preferring to stay in his room listening to music, choosing to avoid any intervention from the care teams working to support him.
A small turning point came when the team at The Russets found him an exercise bike. “The first time he rode it, it was a really special moment,” says Occupational Therapist, Julie Drew. “Once we had helped him into position, he didn’t need any more prompting. He has a huge smile on his face. We let him decide when he’s had enough, quite often he’ll cycle for 30 minutes.”
For Jane, the life changes she is facing cannot be underestimated but outwardly she stays upbeat, visiting The Russets every day and with the help of the team, managing to find times when she and Derek can share a smile.
Last week staff persuaded her to take Derek for a walk outside and up the road in a wheelchair. “I’ve got to say I needed some convincing,” she admits, “but everyone was really supportive, showing me how to use the wheelchair and encouraging me to have a go. But actually it was great. Derek enjoyed it, he smiled, we had a laugh and it was a positive time together.”
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