Ann’s story

Ann was diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia in 2020, although symptoms first started in 2014. Ann experienced difficulty with speech and headaches, and while previously Ann loved to draw and created some amazing art, when the headaches started, she sadly stopped drawing.

Throughout the journey to diagnosis, Ann’s husband Frank began to notice things weren’t quite right at home, and he noticed Ann was losing her confidence. While they were relieved to have a diagnosis, this left Ann feeling frightened to leave the house, further affecting her confidence with speaking, answering the phone and most of all, affecting her passion to draw.

Since joining Dementia Jersey activities, Ann has been able to socialise with other people with dementia and take part in brain stimulating activities paired with speech therapy. As a result, she started to answer the phone again, was less frightened to go out and has started creating art at home again. This transformation to her confidence levels was one of the positive changes that have helped both her and Frank.

“As a carer, life has got a lot easier thanks to Dementia Jersey. It’s great because I can leave Ann to get on with art and chat away without a worry. It’s taken a lot of stress off. We’ve had a lot of practical and emotional support from Dementia Jersey. You feel like if you have a problem, you can talk through it with their staff and find a solution.” – Frank

We are delighted to have been able to support Ann and Frank through this journey and help reignite Ann’s creative spark.