Testimonials | dementia-days

When my mother started to show signs of dementia but still wished to maintain her independence, it was decided by the family to employ the services of Hayley Cook of Dementia Days. Hayley would call in twice a day to ensure that my mother was taking her medication, looking after her personal hygiene and eating properly. We couldn’t have made a better selection when Hayley was selected to carry out those duties. In addition to the usual duties, Hayley also carried out lots of other personal duties not normally expected of a nurse delivering dementia care. She made my mother cups of coffee, put washing into the washing machine, hung washing out to dry, and provided her with stimulating conversation, assisted her to make her bed and many other little ‘touches’ which went far and beyond what anyone could have expected of a dementia service.

Being in Australia it was important for my wife and I to know that my mother could maintain her independence for as long as possible which was her greatest desire (apart from always hoping that she would live to 100!) My wife and I came to UK for a visit several months before she eventually had to go into care due to her mental and physical deterioration. During our visit we made arrangement to hire a car and take my mother out for a meal somewhere out in the country which we felt she would enjoy. We drove to a pub/restaurant away from Market Harborough so that she could experience a change of scenery. Lunch went well although it was a little quick as my mother kept reminding us that she had to be home so as to be there when Hayley carried out her her afternoon visit. Even though I repeatedly told her that we had informed Hayley that my mother would not be home for her afternoon visit, my mother was insistent that we got her home in time. As I mentioned in my eulogy at my mother’s funeral, whilst my wife and I had travelled twelve thousand miles to visit her, there was no way that my mother was going to miss her “Daily Hayley” visit such was my mother’s appreciation and respect for what Hayley did for her.

The service that Hayley provides through Dementia Days goes far beyond what would normally be expected of this form of service. It provides a means of independence to sufferers of this awful condition, it provides peace of mind to family and friends and it helps those dealing with their condition a real chance to maintain their self respect. Even after my mother could no longer remain in her own home and enter full-time care, Hayley continued to drop in and visit her which I know was much appreciated by my mother and all of her family. What Hayley provides through Dementia Days is essential as the age of the population increases and more people are diagnosed with this life altering condition. I cannot speak too highly of Hayley and Demential Days and feel so glad that my mother was able to enjoy everything that Hayley made possible with her twice a day visits.

We feel a great debt to you for all your care and support for my parents. We first met when you were an NHS dementia care advisor visiting my mum following her Alzheimer diagnosis. You gave invaluable advise to help us understand the illness and practical help with finances. When you set up your business you put Power of Attorney in place for both my parents and later when my father took ill you became a rock for the family - visiting my Mum daily, stimulating, feeding and ultimately befriending her. 'Dave the dog' and all the days out having fun lightened some very dark days. We will be eternally grateful for helping choose and make Mum's transition into a care home as painless as possible and the joy you bring to my Mum's daily life - walks, shopping, coffees, nails, fashion, meditation, yoga, and the fun and laughs you share enrich her life even if she can't remember it later. You help her to feel valued and respected and her happiness is the perfect testimony to you. Hayley you provide an incredible service - a professionalism and a wealth of knowledge and experience delivered with kindness, warmth and humour. Long may you be my Mum's friend.

Hayley has worked with our mother, a Dementia Sufferer, for 2.5 years, in which time she has changed her confusing and frightening world to a place where she is safe, cared for and able to cope.Hayley has not just developed a settled routine in which my Mother can live without constant stress but has displayed a professionalism second to none and a repeated ability to go above and beyond for her client and that means she goes above and beyond for her families too.

We have very recently had the need to move our mother to a warden control property as mobility too was becoming an issue, all through the process Hayley was there co-ordinating it all. From ensuring new routines were set in place to even providing hanging baskets for my flower loving Mother – every step of the way Hayley ensured that the best service was provided for my Mother and I know this to be the case with all her clients.

She is such a warm, thoughtful and caring person and this is allied to her excellent business approach where she treats us with the utmost respect, provides invaluable guidance and information on dementia and is there as an ear when things aren’t going quite to plan. Hayley is always positive and each and every day delivers great energy with her ‘can do’ approach to her work. Hayley has invested so much of her time into developing her business but never loses sight that it her clients that are at the centre of everything she does.

We call Hayley our modern day Mary Poppins, if they ever re-make that film, we know who they should cast in the lead role.

Hayley has been a great help and support after my Aunt was diagnosed with dementia in June of this year. She has made a very difficult situation much easier to cope with her knowledge and care of someone with dementia. I personally have found her support invaluable knowing that I am not dealing with things on my own.

She always responds quickly to emails and messages and does everything she promises to do in a very professional manner, even over the weekends, and has made dealing with the paperwork side of things easier.

We approached Dementia Days in December 2016 to find a one to one carer for our mother.

We needed someone who totally understood the day to day needs of a person with Dementia. From the initial contact, the professionalism of Hayley has been outstanding. We have found the experience to be a truly positive one. She puts the needs of my mother first and nothing is too much trouble. I particularly like her approach to the working day, she is always bright and cheery and never fails to make my mum smile and feel cared for.We would have no hesitation in recommending Dementia Days as a company to care for a loved one.