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Terry Pratchett Gives Dementia Care a Patient’s Face

May 4, 2015
dementia care

The recent passing of Sir Terry Pratchett offers a rare view of dementia care, a view from the patient’s perspective. If you don’t know Sir Terry, he wrote fantasy and science fiction, publishing more than 70 books. He is best known for his whimsical Discworld series, which includes some 40 volumes set in “a flat world perched on the backs of four elephants which, in turn, stand on the back of a giant turtle.” His obituary from the BBC recounts the details of a remarkable life.

It is another of his works that provides his unique view of dementia. You see, Sir Terry suffered from posterior cortical atrophy, a rare variant of Alzheimer’s disease which affects vision. He was diagnosed in 2008 and put his fame behind a push for more research. In 2013, he was asked to provide the inaugural entry to Alzheimer’s Research UK’s dementia blog, which is dedicated to telling the stories in dementia patients. He wrote:

There isn’t one kind of dementia. There aren’t a dozen kinds. There are hundreds of thousands. Each person who lives with one of these diseases will be affected in uniquely destructive ways. Dementia attacks those facets which make us who we are, and it’s a deeply personal attack that defies prediction.

Sir Terry wrote about the fear the dementia inspires in all of us. “Dementia vies with cancer in an unsavoury battle of the scariest, but it must be said that some lucky people will survive cancer.” That fear infects not only the patients, but their family and friends as well. Those loved ones are the foundation of what he calls “a trained and compassionate care system” which includes family and caregivers working together.

If your loved one has dementia, selecting a caregiver is one of the most important decisions that you will make. Contact us to help you find someone with the training and compassion that your loved one needs.

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About the author

Tyler Williams

As an Area Owner and Operator of a Home Matters Caregiving franchise, I am committed to ensuring exceptional outcomes for our valued clients and caregivers. My passion for elevating our service quality is matched by my role as a blogger and social media manager for the franchise, where I share insights, updates, and foster community engagement. Prior to senior care, I used my strategic communication and brand development skills as the Marketing Director of a regional bank. My diverse experience supports my commitment to excellence and innovation in both healthcare and digital communication.
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“Ms. Rosie Lee did such an amazing job taking care of my grandfather. I honestly can say she made my grandfather such an happy person even while dealing with his mental illness.”
Marissa Rodriguez
“My grandma loves this company and so do we! Incredible service and care! Home matters has become a huge part of our family. Thank you so much you have made our lives so much better!”
Christopher I
“This group of caring folks were there for me and my family when my dad transitioned. They are ALL truly a loving team and very professional through and through.”
El Soñador
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Heather Biggs
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Marissa Rodriguez
“My grandma loves this company and so do we! Incredible service and care! Home matters has become a huge part of our family. Thank you so much you have made our lives so much better!”
Christopher I
“Ms. Rosie Lee did such an amazing job taking care of my grandfather. I honestly can say she made my grandfather such an happy person even while dealing with his mental illness.”
Marissa Rodriguez
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El Soñador
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Christopher I
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Heather Biggs
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Marissa Rodriguez
“My grandma loves this company and so do we! Incredible service and care! Home matters has become a huge part of our family. Thank you so much you have made our lives so much better!”
Christopher I
“This group of caring folks were there for me and my family when my dad transitioned. They are ALL truly a loving team and very professional through and through.”
El Soñador
“We just started using this service for my brother who had a traumatic brain injury. Irvin and Willis were extremely helpful navigating how to set up the service and work with my brothers particular needs.”
Heather Biggs
“Ms. Rosie Lee did such an amazing job taking care of my grandfather. I honestly can say she made my grandfather such an happy person even while dealing with his mental illness.”
Marissa Rodriguez
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Christopher I