Testimonials  

Whilst everyone has different experiences during lockdown, our bubble has increased from six to eight as a change to last year. My parents have been living with us the last 4-5 months and as an elderly pair, we’ve had to make alterations with our schedules to ensure we’re accommodating their needs.

​

My father (79) is still mentally and physically active, grows tired easily, but maintains daily contact with everyone via telephone. Landline telephone 

My mother (71) is mid-way progressed with dementia, still has her wits about her (albeit for short moments) and is still physically strong despite her knees struggling to keep up. However, she is gradually providing challenges with her short retention of memory and her repetitive questions, resulting in a constant rotation of company to ‘share the load’.
 

Beyond the difficult moments, we as a family continue to learn:
– To be adaptable to living with a person with dementia.
– To grow our patience and not react with frustration.
– Alternating our routine to provide support.
– Strengthening each other through trying moments.
 

As we continuously face challenges accommodating for my parents, we can’t be more thankful for the support we have within close range. We acknowledge our church and family communities; the government support through many services; and also the uprising of multiple bodies providing great assistance that canvas over a greater mass than they can often handle – but we never hear about their struggles, only about how rewarding their duties and jobs are. We are appreciative of where we live – Aotearoa, and its supporting services afforded to us through the application of care, love and support from these providers.
 

We recognise our recent encounter with one of these groups who have helped us keep mum entertained during this lockdown period – PROJECT VILLAGE. The delivery of Activity Bags for in-house entertainment has come of great use and relief. Mum is enjoying the activities and even better, our daughters have options with their interactions with their Nana. Mum being an loyal Housie participant is particularly fond of the Bingo set. Learning to play Snakes & Ladders has been a delightful debate ; colouring books keeps her creativity alive; the Jumbo playing cards are hard to lose and easy to sight; and the Poppits allows mum to fidget while sitting and watch tv.
 

Thank you to Project Village for reaching out to our families and communities, we continue to pray for protection and blessings over your works, especially the people you bless. Ia manuia lava outou ma outou galuega fai ona o lo outou alolofa ma agalelei i o tatou tagata.
 

Fa’afetai lava,
MALAGAMAALI’I Family of Wellington