Honouring Jennifer Josey (1944-2024): A Journey Through Mixed Dementia with her daughter, Shellie Josey

Dementia Caregiver’s Corner

In this heartfelt episode, we pay tribute to Jennifer Mavis Josey, affectionately known as Jen, who passed away in October 2024 from mixed dementia. Shellie Josey, Jen’s only daughter, joins us to reflect on her mum’s life, their family’s caregiving journey, and how they’ve been coping since her passing.

We explore Jen’s background, her role as a mother and sister, and the qualities that made her so special. Shellie shares insights into the early symptoms of dementia, the family’s initial struggles, and how they learned to navigate life with her diagnosis. She discusses the importance of family unity, the challenges of accessing social care, and the value of maintaining friendships for those living with dementia.

The episode also highlights the family’s commitment to honoring Jen’s wish to remain at home, the adjustments they made to accommodate her needs, and Shellie’s journey toward finding purpose after her mother’s death.

Shellie concludes with advice for families caring for parents with dementia, offering encouragement and wisdom to those on a similar path.

This episode is a celebration of Jen’s legacy and a source of inspiration and support for caregivers and families worldwide.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Family Unity is Vital
  Caring for a loved one with dementia requires strong family collaboration and support. Shellie emphasized how working together as a family helped them navigate the emotional and practical challenges of Jen’s dementia journey.
• Early Symptoms Often Go Unrecognized
  Many families, including Jen’s, are unaware of dementia until it directly impacts them. Recognizing unusual behaviors and seeking timely medical advice is crucial for early diagnosis and better care planning.
• The Importance of Honoring Wishes
  Jen’s wish to remain at home rather than move to a care home required significant adjustments and sacrifices. Shellie’s story highlights the importance of respecting a loved one’s preferences and finding ways to fulfill them despite challenges.
• Friendships Play a Key Role
  Maintaining relationships is essential for individuals living with dementia. Shellie shared how Jen’s friends continued visiting her, providing comfort and connection. Encouraging friendships, even in advanced stages, can greatly enhance a person’s quality of life.

Some resources mentioned Jen

Alzheimers.org.uk

https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/navigating-the-journey-a-daughters-tale-of/id1710778347?i=1000650588431

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