Miss Olli's Diaries and Journals

  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

In July 2014 my partner, Coverley, of 15 years was diagnosed with mixed Vascular and Alzheimer's dementia. He was 68 years old.    In hindsight there were earlier signs, but being 10 years younger, I never gave it too much thought.  I just thought he was getting a little forgetful with age.  The notion that he had a form of dementia never once crossed my mind. He had always been a very active, lively and motivated man.  He had a childish eagerness for life and lived it to the fullest.  His energy was to be envied.  A party didn't start until he arrived.  He was the party.  He was the joker.  His generosity knew no bounds.  Dementia didn't happen to people with his vibrancy.  But it did.  Dementia is more than a brain disease     I had been ignorant of this dreadful insidious thief that was literally sucking the life out of Cov.  The impact of his diagnosis was devastating to the both of us. Somehow, in a short time, I got a grip on the situation by going into denial and

Coverley acting the pro-skier I cared for Coverley at home for 5 years before he went into an Aged Care Facility under difficult and tragic circumstances. He was initially diagnosed with mixed Vascular dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.  Before going into his Aged Care Facility he spent a traumatic 18 weeks in Lismore Base Hospital where his dementia diagnosis was changed to Lewy Body Dementia based on his severe sensitivities to anti-psychotic medications.  He has been in his current Aged Care Facility for 18 months. It has been a trying time for medical staff to get his behaviours associated with his dementia manageable. During this time he has been tormented with hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. He has suffered relentlessly and greatly.  Snow deep fun  In his calmer moments, despite his confusion and suffering, he has maintained his humour, his thoughtfulness and his impeccable manners.  At times he is still able to express his concern and love for myself and others. I