Miss Olli's Diaries and Journals

    I have created this blog to share with you the trials and tribulations of caring for my partner Coverley, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2014. My diary is my trusted and loyal companion.  A friend that is happy to listen for hours on end. My first diary was an inexpensive one that I got from the local dollar shop. It helped me to plan each day so as to survive the chaos and confusion that had invaded and engulfed our home.   It was the first thing I turned to when I got up each morning.   It was a reminder to me of the ever increasing visits to doctors, specialists, dentists and hearing check-ups.   Sneakily, more and more of the every day jobs were becoming mine so these were added in the diary too.   As dementia's grip tightened, reminders of social engagements and activities were almost non-existent in the diary.   Where did all the friends go?   When did they go?   I was beginning to feel resentful, so I began using my diary like a journal.   Writing in

SELF-CARE PRACTICES TO AVOID CAREGIVER'S BURNOUT “Mind. Body. Soul. These are the three things self-care is all about.” -  Kathy Sledge, American singer-songwriter (Sister Sledge) We live in a world where the demands on society have progressively increased.  People have busier schedules which often result in the needs of caregivers going unnoticed or unmet by the most well intentioned of us.  Community and government resources, as well as offers of help from family and friends, are limited so caregivers are still suffering from immense strain, duress and loneliness. Self-care for the caregiver is an essential practice and not just a theory or a ‘wellness phase’.  Caregiver’s burnout is a very real and serious condition which can lead to distractions, loneliness, depression, anxiety, stress, high blood pressure and poor nutrition.  These ailments are very debilitating by and of themselves but they can also be precursors to accidents, stroke, heart attack, cancer and death. To unde

  Basically the Optimist’s 2022 Laugh a Little Diary evolved on the back of the Carer’s 2022 Diary and Journal which was created in appreciation of caregivers. I needed another project to work on so as to make it through the endless and lonely days of Coronavirus lockdowns, restrictions and public health orders forbidding visits to loved ones and families.   The Optimist’s 2022 Laugh a Little diary is in appreciation of everyone who demonstrated unselfishness, team spirit and strength by making huge sacrifices to protect their fellow citizen. I was not allowed to visit my partner, Coverley, for four months during the latest lockdown.   There have been other shorter lockdowns and very restrictive visitation rules for most of 2020 and 2021.   It has been f our months of stomach churning anxiety and heart wrenching sadness.   Four months of not knowing how or what he was feeling.   Did he think I had abandoned him?   Will he remember me?   Will I receive a phone call that he has ha