When you're living with dementia, life can sometimes feel like trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle where the pieces keep moving. On good days, the picture is clear. On other days, it takes a bit more effort to fit things together. But the one puzzle we really shouldn't have to fight with is the system that is supposed to support us. As a member of the Northamptonshire Dementia Action Forum (NDAF), I get to see first-hand the incredible passion of people who want to make our count

We need an accreditation scheme NOW! Introduction Accreditation is a word that sounds like it belongs in a corporate boardroom, but for those of us living with dementia, it actually means something incredibly personal. It is about trust, safety, and being treated like a human being. When an organisation, a care provider, or a community project is officially accredited, it means they have been thoroughly checked by an independent body. They haven't just ticked a box or put a f

The Label That Belongs To Us I’ve spent a lot of time lately sitting in rooms where people talk about me while I’m right there. They use big words, clinical terms, and "management strategies" to describe my own life. In these spaces, you’ll often hear the phrase expert by experience. It’s a nice sentiment, isn’t it? It’s meant to signal that the person being discussed actually has a seat at the table. But often, in dementia circles, "Expert by Experience" becomes a bit of a c

If you've been following my journey, you'll know that life with young-onset dementia isn't exactly what I'd planned for my sixties. It's a bit like driving through a thick fog; some days I can see the road clearly, and other days I'm just hoping I don't hit the kerb. One thing that's become crystal clear to me, though, is how we talk about care. We hear the term Person-Centred Care all the time. It sounds lovely, doesn't it? It sounds like progress. But as someone living thi

I never imagined writing a blog post from my sickbed, but here I am. About a week ago, I was in a car crash. It wasn’t my fault, but I ended up with broken ribs and a punctured lung. Thankfully, I'm on the mend, but this whole experience made me realise how important it is for hospitals to recognise and properly support patients with dementia—not just treat their injuries. You see, I've got young-onset dementia. I told the hospital staff about it as soon as I was admitted. In

Sorry to bore you, but I've got a bit of "spring fever" at the moment, so I want to reinforce my message about the benefits of being outdoors with a few musings about the benefits of walking and independence. I’ll tell you straight, when you get that diagnosis, especially when you’re still on the younger side, your first instinct is to bolt the door, put the kettle on, and stay right where it’s safe. It feels like the world’s shrunk to the size of a thimble overnight, like th