Keith
Keith’s father, who was in his early 90s and diagnosed with vascular dementia, was cared for by Keith, his only son. He was the administrator for his father’s finances and made shared decisions about his health. Keith’s father was cared for at home with paid carers during the lockdown and was hospitalised for a fall. Keith’s father was transferred to a local care home and received care until his death in 2022.
Keith had a difficult relationship with his parents throughout his life. He was subjected to criticism by his parents which strained his relationship with them. Keith’s mother passed away in 2015 and Keith’s father needed care while living at home. Keith thought his relationship with his father gradually improved and they became close while supporting his father’s care.
Keith organised paid carers to care for his father during the Covid pandemic and lockdown periods. Keith managed his father’s finances to arrange and pay for home care over two years. Initially, carers were needed once a day and over time, the visits increased to twice and occasionally three times a day. Keith’s father was mobile and used a Zimmer Frame for support while walking. Keith received support from his local carer’s group and he also introduced his father to their local charity group. Keith recommends that carers’ support groups should continue to support carers, even after the death of the loved one.