It is time to write the second Edition of this book, which will be an Audiobook, especially as this first edition needs an update. I’m looking forward to being able to launch the audiobook, but especially to updating a few of the chapters in my first book, as not only have my opinions changed since…
A sense of loneliness So deep It takes my breath away Reminding me of those departed Lingering inside my heart Lost to the stigma of dementia Tales of despair Whisperings of days gone by Deteriorating abilities Sadness Sitting just inside my soul Yearning for myself Kate Swaffer 2014
Dementia and me What the hell happened to my braindiagnosed with dementia when I was much too youngmy children still at schoola deadly terminal disease effectingmemory, thinking, perception, judgment, language and speech But worse than that, effecting mylife, family, friendships, my sense of self, my identityand a bucket load of guilttruckloads of stigma discrimination and…
“Dementia care is caring for people Who often do not know they need care, And don’t want to be in care; No wonder they may become angry and upset.” Author: Kate Swaffer © 2012 #BanBPSD Also published in: Love Life Loss, A roller-coaster of poetry (2012) Graphic Print Group, Richmond, SA and “What the hell…
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the world looked the other way when faced with the reality that even the most basic of human rights were being denied to people with dementia, including at the time of their diagnosis and for the rest of their life thereafter. What this pandemic has done, is to highlight…
The many words used when a person first makes it public knowledge They have been diagnosed with dementia are words like #brave #courageous #inspiring Then, if we dare to live too positively with it We are told we don’t look like we have dementia. The only thing really needing true grit, bravery and courage Is…
A diagnosis of dementia The ultimate and final weed-killer More sure to work than Round Up And although environmentally friendly Definitely not humanity friendly With an open heart And a willingness to overcome the loss One is left with only honest and loyal family friends And a global ‘dementia family’ Making dementia Possibly the greatest…
Waking up in the morning to find you still have a pulse Hanging out with positive people who support you Going for a walk or run Great food Good bullet proof coffee Listening to your favourite music Smelling freshly cut roses Meditation or Mindfulness, or both Trying out something new Joining a group of like-minded…
Farewell 2017: the highs & lows As we come to the end of another busy year, I’ve been pondering on how things have changed over the last few years, and especially in 2017. Today is also the last day of my role as the SA 2017 Australian Of The Year, and whilst it should have…
In my own experience It’s ultimately kinder to be up front Face up to stuff Be honest and true to you Laugh as much as possible Dance, even when no-one’s watching Believe in love It will always overcome hate Forgive others In the knowledge That those who intentionally harm you Speak of themselves Not you…
I’m often asked for a various lengths of my bio and this is one version I gave recently: Kate Swaffer is a published academic and author, an international speaker, an activist, and a dementia and aged care consultant; she is a retired nurse, has a Masters of Science in Dementia (Distinction, 2014), and is a…
Alone Crowded in by people Many of whom seem not to care Most who barely know me Too much noise Too many strange voices Too many different conversations Too many distractions Not able to keep up The beginning of confabulation Just to save face And maintain dignity Kate Swaffer © 2017
Ok, so I know the word bugger Could be seen as crude But frankly, it is how I feel Yesterday I talked to my BUB Then I wondered where he was So I was frantically looking for him In our own home He was nowhere to be found So I called him on his mobile…
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