"Our fathers Journey (What you do matters)"

My father has dementia which has unfortunately recently progressed. He was moved from his home place to Oak for initial assessment where he received excellent care from a very devoted professional team.

Introductions occurred at the door and continued into the unit with reassuring smiles all that time from the team to my father and myself. Whilst it was a clinical set up i felt he had walked into an extension of his / our home. He was listened to, provided with a very small piece of chocolate as it eased his anxiety which demonstrated staff had been very well informed of the full history of my father.

Unknown to us he required urgent Medical care and this was received via A&E SWAH then onto ward 1, SWAH. Again his care was impeccable in ward 1 with a full plan of action and communication with our family which is crucial for us when our father is on his own in terms of being without family.

He was discharged back to Oak and then back to Derry which is more local. We wish to thank all the staff directly and indirectly involved in his care. Alzheimer's patients are our parents, sisters / brothers, often family need to be vocal with their parents / family care but in this full un ended journey our fathers needs have been met by all which reassures worried families. 

Staff managed my father like he was family, that is clear to see, they quickly understood his needs and made great strides in managing his anxieties. He is now stable, medically improved and mentally happy.

What you do matters.