We’ve fought tooth and nail for the help we have received

Jun 7 2007 by Chris Brown, Liverpool Daily Post

CAROLYN JAMES, 42, from Aintree, has been the main carer for her 70-year-old mother Caroline since she was diagnosed with vascular dementia two years ago.

She said: “Mum is one of ten siblings who are all still alive. My auntie is 76 and still runs the 10K and goes line dancing, and can go on holiday, and it’s heartbreaking that mum is now at the stage where she is like a newborn baby.

“She was probably ill for about two years before she was diagnosed in May 2005.

“We used to put it down to her age, and laugh and say they were senior moments.

“Now she can’t speak, she can’t tell me when she’s in pain, or hungry, I just have to second guess all the time.

“I look after her virtually 24 hours a day, and it has been a difficult transition.

“I don’t want her to go into a home, there is no way.

“We have fought tooth and nail for the help we have received.

“Both of us have worked all our lives. I’ve no idea what I can claim for, but people automatically expect you to know what to do.

“That’s why we contacted Age Concern and the Alzheimer’s Society, who have been brilliant.”