Nina Ambrose, 49, volunteers in a care home so she can see her Alzheimer’s suffering father during lockdown.
The thoughtful daughter was heartbroken when coronavirus lockdown restrictions meant she could not visit her dad Roger, 77, who moved into the home earlier this year.
To make sure she can see her dad three times a week, she decided to volunteer as an event and activities coordinator at the care home in Chelmsford, Essex.
“Without this my mental health would absolutely have suffered during lockdown,” Ambrose, a mother-of-one, expressed.
“It’s lovely and rewarding to do, gives me a routine, and I’ve been able to meet residents and staff at a time which has been very isolating for many.
“Plus I’m seeing that everyone’s dementia story and journey is different.”
Roger, who celebrated his 77th birthday on October 6, has had Alzheimer’s disease for more than ten years and his condition declined rapidly in the past few months.
“It’s been very hard,” Ambrose shared. “Dad and I have always been very close, we’re like peas in a pod. Dad did a lot of volunteering himself after retiring.”
Organizing events and activities for the residents made Ambrose consider a new career in caring.
“I love it. It makes the residents so happy, when I go in, they start clapping and saying, ‘sing sing’, and they remember all the old songs,” she expressed.
“Music has such a big impact on people with dementia. It’s been a massive game changer,” she added.
“I wouldn’t have considered doing this job before, but this has absolutely inspired me. I feel I’ve got so much to give. I love to make people happy and make them smile.
“I’d like to spread that joy around as far as I can by working each weekday in five different care homes.”
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