Dementia: The experiences of an Admiral Nurse

Photo: © Dementia UK

'People don’t always realise that we are here to support the carer rather than nurse the person with dementia,' says Admiral Nurse Maureen Kanabar (pictured right). ‘But if we work with the carers, we are able to pass on our expertise to many more people. They are the ones who are making what are sometimes very difficult decisions about their loved ones while being under great stress themselves.

‘I specialised in dementia about 10 years ago and worked as a memory nurse specialist in the East Herts Memory Service. Then I did an MSc in ageing and mental health before seeing this job advertised and I knew it was perfect for me.

Knowing where to turn

‘Carers often do not know who to turn to for the right information as well as suffering the most enormous guilt when they feel angry or lonely or can’t cope. I was recently an advocate for a carer who was being pushed by social services to keep a relative at home. But they weren’t looking at the whole picture. If the carer couldn’t cope it wouldn’t be in anyone’s interest.

'Some of the most distressing times for carers come when the person they are looking after becomes uncooperative, or no longer recognises them or, worse, in the case of a son or daughter, is convinced it's their husband or wife.

'And knowing I am helping is the best thing about being an Admiral Nurse. That and witnessing examples of such great love and devotion. It renews all your faith in human nature.'

To find out more about Admiral Nurses

Visit the Dementia UK website

Call Admiral Nursing Direct: 0845 257 9406

Email: direct@dementiauk.org

Opening hours: Tuesday and Thursday 11.00-20.45, Saturday 10.00-13.00