Alastair Stewart: I live in fear of being scammed at Christmas – people with dementia are vulnerable
I am delighted to say all our children and their partners have been able to shuffle their diaries, so we have all of them and the grandchildren here for lunch on Christmas Day.
Our youngest son, Oscar, is one of those whose birthday falls within days of Christmas, and we had a delightful family dinner at a fine gastro Pub near here. It was decked out beautifully for Christmas which everyone, especially Tom and Jim, the grandchildren, enjoyed.
Our daughter, who is the Executive Principal of an inclusive international school in Saudi Arabia has safely arrived and is being very helpful, especially with the things that my Dementia makes extra tricky.
We finally have Sally’s car back too but had to pay the bulk of the repair costs despite having an expensive extended warranty. We really felt JLR and the dealership were very unhelpful despite knowing my condition.
They’ve sent a customer satisfaction survey which we will complete after Christmas with no holds barred. We were persuaded to try a Land Rover by a Director of Tata at a charity function. I wish we’d stuck with Toyota Land Cruisers which lasted forever and never went wrong…one learns.
But what is left of the British motor industry needs a lesson in customer service, rather than wasting time and money on silly rebranding campaigns.
Christmas cards are an interesting thing for those of us with Dementia, writing neat, accurate addresses isn’t easy nor is checking the lists. More and more folk write or email to say they are no longer sending cards but rather that they have decided to donate to charity. Still, we have received lots of cards, with many taking the opportunity to send little personal notes having read of my Dementia or heard on the grapevine. It is lovely and so uplifting.
As Alzheimer’s UK makes clear in their Christmas campaign, keeping in touch by whatever is the best means really matters to those of us with Dementia – cards, phone calls, emails, texts: all are welcome and all matter.
Buying Christmas gifts also doesn’t get easier and tracking services are over-complicated. I rely on online buying and on my wonderful children, as I can’t just jump in the car and go shopping. I also live in fear of being scammed. Those of us with Dementia are much more vulnerable – retailers should seem to help us or risk losing our custom.
A lovely woman from the Department for Work and Pensions came to see us and interview Sally about my needs and her role as my carer. She made an intrusive and personal task very easy for us which we greatly appreciated.
Meanwhile, the Government’s woes mount, though I welcome some money for our troubled and beloved hospices. Our Carol Service for Naomi House and Jack’s Place, our local hospice for young people, raised a much-needed £13,000 – thanks everyone. Amazing work.
Even with the increased money from the recent announcement, these charity events are so important to support, with an ongoing financial burden. Hospices all still desperately need donations, especially with the increased cost of national insurance and the general cost of living and running businesses.
Here’s wishing you all the happiest and loveliest of Christmases, and a prosperous New Year.
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