It has been 3 years of caregiving. Though I have a supportive family, a dementia day care team that works closely with me and provide day care engagement to my mother who is living with dementia, I felt that there is no one else who can journey along side with me in the caregiving journey.
I decided that I should wait no longer.
I recalled the day when I called up Dementia Singapore and spoke to Hwee Sin, inquiring about any available caregiver support group. Immediately, she informed me of the vacancy for Strum and Sing and asked if I would like to join them. The batch one Strum and Sing class has been ongoing since 2020 and it was November 2021 when I inquired about them.
Without much hesitation, I said I was willing to try to commit to this group and went for the class the very same day. Indeed it turned out that it was a right decision and despite the daily routine of part time work, caring for my family and my mother, the motivation of meeting up with the members of this group turned into a weekly motivation and strengthening of our friendships.
Just like this illustration (done by my daughter), these are my initial responses in my early years of caregiving. Where can I find the time to go for such meeting, when I am so tired and exhausted not just physically but emotionally?
Yet when I took the first step and I am really surprised and grateful that the friendships formed and the support I obtained from Dementia Singapore.
One year has passed, it is already Dec 2022. It is my first time joining this “Music Evening” where caregivers from Strum and Sing classes and Date with Donnie, Cantolingo classes met. There were performance by both of the Strum and Sing classes of which I am privilege to take part.
It would not be possible if not for the staff at Dementia Singapore, Ely (organiser of Strum and Sing), Donnie (who is our favourite and patient Guitar Teacher) and others like Hwee Sin, Suqi and Sadana for organising this meeting.
Thanksgiving today
Thank you for the team for organising this special event for caregivers. I am truly blessed and refreshed.
#Dementia Singapore
You may refer to the previous blog on thriving caregivers: Through music and support.
Copyright LHN. This blog expresses the personal thoughts of the writer and do not replace professional advice in your caregiving journey.
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