John and Joan's story

We love sharing stories of how our amazing team have managed to help people in our community. Here is one such story from John and Joan, a couple who have recently used our Admiral Nurse service.

John (91) and Joan (78) are a married couple who are both retired. They held significant roles throughout their working lives, as well as in their community through their voluntary work. They have raised a family and enjoyed an active life together including travel. 

In 2011, John was discharged from the Memory Clinic with a diagnosis of depression and mild cognitive impairment. This progressed and, in 2020, he received a diagnosis of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. This caused Joan’s role to change over time. There was a significant increase in the need for her to care for her husband to ensure his needs were met and his quality of life was maintained. 

Joan said, “I came out from the Memory Clinic after being given my husband, John’s, diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, exhausted, broken, dazed and full of unanswered questions. My Admiral Nurse, Kirsty, was there from the very beginning and has been with us all along the journey. She has been my lifeline; able to answer my questions; guide and support me in navigating all the various agencies; liaise, as appropriate, with other professionals on our behalf; highlight opportunities available for us to lead as fulfilling a life as possible; explaining the nature of Alzheimer’s, my husband’s needs; how to deal with his challenging behaviour, and support me in our decision making. 

“Importantly she has prompted and helped me to address my own health and wellbeing needs and stressed the importance of this to me and John, both physically and emotionally. 

“We have worked collaboratively discussing problems and issues, exploring how they can best be overcome, and helping me to see the way forward. We set achievable goals which we reviewed regularly. Her professional, non-directive, non-prescriptive, non-judgemental manner and her empathy and understanding have been very much appreciated by me and our family. This has been in contrast to many of the other Professionals we have met on the way. 

“The peer support group, which she set up and facilitated virtually, has blossomed into firm friendships from which we all draw comfort, support and understanding of our collective husbands’ dementia journeys, passing on information and experiences and discussing how best we can approach things. 

“When my husband, sadly, had to go into full-time residential care, Kirsty, was there to explain the system and support me on my decision during that difficult transition period. I was able to discuss with her my problems and questions regarding the care being given to John at the home and what was to be expected. She liaised with the Care Home ensuring that both my husband’s and my needs were being met and how they could best be approached in the light of her experience of our family. This has proved to be invaluable in my relationship and communications with the Care Home staff and also to John’s benefit. 

“We have received incalculable benefits from the Admiral Nurse. Without her help, I don’t know how I could have coped and where we would be today. Thank you, Kirsty.” 

Kirsty added, “A diagnosis of dementia brings many challenges and changes for individuals and their loved ones, both physically and emotionally. It has been a privilege to be able to support and assist John and Joan to navigate their journey.”