"The staff go above and beyond to provide care"

My husband has Frontal Temporal Dementia. First tests began in 2019 at his GP Surgery with the Practice Nurse. He was the referred to Older People's Services at the North West Centre, Kilmarnock in February 2020 with Dr. Sharkey. He was compassionate, respectful and listened to our story. My husband had lost a sister to Alzheimer's and another had motor neuron, sadly now deceased. By the end of the appointment Dr Sharkey was sure my husband had FTD but of course more in-depth tests would have to be completed.

In March 2021 we were given the news from Dr. Scott that it was FTD. We were assigned Nurse Karen for a year to help us with the changes and adjustments to our lives. Our Guardian Angel, always ready to listen. She pointed us in the right direction to obtain things like Attendance Allowance, Blue Badge, Support Worker and Respite Care. Also  East Ayrshire Carers Hub who will double check you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to.

She introduced us to the Dementia Resource Centre, managed by Sheena,  and Rosebank Day Centre. managed by Sheila, both centres in Kilmarnock. The staff go above and beyond to provide care for the Dementia person and their carer. I really couldn't have coped for as long without their support. A Godsend to people in my position.

We have had great help from our Support Worker, first one was Amanda and then Alison. These ladies work so hard to get you what you need to keep your loved one with you. Homecare Plus run by Sophie provided us with a sitter called Graeme who helped look after my husband for 18 months, amazing guy.

Sadly, it's become impossible to have my husband at home and he is now a resident in Crossgates Care Home. It's early days yet but I'm sure this is the right place for him. So many people need those services now and hopefully they can be extended and not cut back on.