A poem about dementia

I work with dementia and something i think we all (at work) need a little reminder when things get tough of how they are feeling and remember its not all about us.

Hello, My names Doris, and I am 73

I once was young… youthful

But age has got a hold of me

I quite often forget things…

My temperament has changed

My hands have gone quite shaky

I live life in the slow lane.

My husband’s passed away now,

My daughters moved quite far

I don’t like to trouble her

When I forget the simplest things

I forget to take my tablets you know

And I forget to make my tea

My weight has dropped

My memories blurred

I’m getting old you see

I went to the doctors,

He seems concerned about me

He says I’ve got dementia

But he doesn’t know a thing

A young chap, just qualified I think

Wedding finger doesn’t even bear a ring

I’m all alone in my home

But I’m happy here, you’ll see

They said they want to move me

But I don’t see no need

I’m happy here, I know this place

Why don’t they just leave me be

The days are long, the nights are dark

I’m forgetting even more

My neighbours think I’m crazy

My family find it strange

The old me is in here though

Locked up in these demented chains

I never wanted to make a fuss

To cause a real big scene

But something’s taking over

It’s got this grip on me

It makes me do these things

I wouldn’t normally do

I can’t help it, I really can’t

I don’t mean to upset you

I didn’t choose for this to happen

I didn’t think it would

I don’t like it either

I would change it if I could

Forgetting simple things

The time of day or how to say

I would like a cup of tea

I’m slowly disappearing

The Doris you all know

The worse is yet to come you see

It happens all so slow

I’m grateful for your patience

You’re time and love and care

The happy moments that we share

I didn’t choose this life

I don’t understand

I don’t know what I’m doing

I don’t know if I can

You need to take your time

Talk me through these things

Don’t rush me, don’t make up my mind

Don’t take control of me

It’s not me who’s doing this

It not who I used to be

I don’t know if it’s normal

It all upsets me

I know you’re all so busy

I know you all work hard

But all I ask

Its take some time to come and sit by me

Take me for a walk, talk of times gone by

I won’t say much but you will touch

This real big heart of mine

The younger me would be grateful

For all that you do for me

I can’t show it now

I don’t know how

Dementias controlling me.

Hello my names Doris, I was just 83

It was a long journey but now I’m finally free

The only way was down

There is no cure

That wasn’t really me

That wasn’t the same Doris

Who kept a family home

Who loved and cared and always shared

A smile of her own

I’m happy now, I’m out of pain,

I know who I am

I can dance and sing

Without the strings

That dementia holds

I’m looking down from heaven

Smiling upon you all

I’m thankful for your time and effort

Through that lengthy course

The love and care you shown me

The time and work you put in

Comfort you provided me

While I was lingering

I know it wasn’t easy

I know it made you sad

I know it put strain upon you

And I’m sorry for all that

But now I can be Doris

And it’s all thanks to you

You stood by me when it would be

That hardest time I would see

So I would just like to say

Thank you to all.