Loving grandparents, Dennis (left) and Mary (right) on the couch at home with their granddaughter. 

When loving parents and grandparents Mary and Dennis were both diagnosed with dementia, their entire family were devastated.

Although their daughter Debra knew residential care might need to be considered in the future – and that it would offer a safe and nurturing environment for her parents – she wanted to give them as many good years together as possible. That meant the three of them continuing to live together, as they had done since Debra became a single mum.

At times when Debra felt she was in above her head, it was support from BlueCare’s Dementia Squad that kept her going.

“With BlueCare, I know I don’t have to manage all by myself. If I’m feeling like I just need that time off, or a bit of space, I have that opportunity.”

Today, Debra feels like keeping both her mum and dad at home with her for the foreseeable future is a real possibility.

“I’m just not ready to lose my mum and dad yet,” she said.

“Sometimes Mum will come to me when we’re going to bed, and she’ll kiss and hug me and say, ‘I love you so much. Without you, I wouldn’t be able to do anything. You do so much for me’.”

The fact that Debra is always around to catch precious moments like this reminds her she’s made the right decision to keep her parents close. Will you help make more moments like this possible for other Queensland families with your gift?

Have you considered leaving a legacy of kindness?

When you leave a gift in your Will – also known as a bequest – you’ll be carrying the best care for older and vulnerable Queenslanders into the future.

After looking after the needs of your loved ones, leaving a gift in your Will ensures the kind and compassionate values you carry through life will continue in the legacy you leave behind.