CATHRYN’S BLOG

Hi,

I’m Cathryn Todd and this is my first blog about my new book, Shaded Memories.

Essentially, this is a novel which tells a story about a lady who has dementia, and how people with a dementia diagnosis can still have an enriched and happy life.

The book is not primarily about dementia. It’s a story about love and friendship, amateur sleuthing to discover a lover’s true motives and a search for a missing person.

We meet Mary, and follow her life before and after she is diagnosed with dementia. Mary is a well respected, successful business woman, but Mary has a secret she has kept to herself for all her adult life. Mary meets Patsy, a young carer, and finally, Mary finds someone she is able to confide in.

I am retired these days, but for over 40 years, I worked as a highly trained nurse.

Historically, and by that I mean as recent as 20 years  ago, there  was little research into the care of people with dementia, and hardly any training for health care professionals. Unfortunately, in care homes and hospitals for many years there was some poor care

Now I’m not suggesting for a moment that anyone who chooses this career does so for the wrong reasons, but old habits die hard, and with limited knowledge new trainees were often taught what we now know to be bad practice. Fortunately I now see some fantastic examples of excellent care, so I don’t despair.

In 1992, I became the manager of a nursing home where we had many people with severe physical problems and also people with advanced dementia.  I knew how to care for patients, but caring for dementia sufferers was often a challenge.

So, I did as much research as I could, and over several years with more research available, I studied for a Masters degree in the study of older people. With that knowledge, I taught health care professionals about caring for people with dementia.

Shaded memories is hopefully a refreshing insight into dementia, and what can be achieved with educated, motivated staff teams.

I hope you enjoy my book.

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