Sharing Lived Experiences: Manton Heights Resident and Lifestyle Assistant Create a Book on Living with Dementia
At Manton Heights Care Centre, we believe in the power of shared experiences to inspire, educate, and bring comfort to others. This belief is at the heart of a special
project created by resident Muriel and Lifestyle Assistant Melissa—together, they have written a heartfelt book offering a personal insight into what it is like to live with dementia.
Muriel, who has been a resident at Manton Heights for some time, was diagnosed with dementia in November 2018. A passionate advocate for raising awareness, she has long been involved with Tibbs Dementia Foundation, a Bedford-based charity dedicated to supporting those living with dementia and their families. The foundation provides a range of services, including peer support, activity groups, and advice, empowering individuals to live well with dementia. As an Ambassador for Tibbs Dementia Foundation, Muriel regularly shares her experiences, hosting talks for families at Manton Heights’ monthly Dementia Café, helping others feel more comfortable, informed, and supported.
Muriel’s dedication to making a difference is strongly supported by her daughter Paula, who attends Tibbs Foundation meetings and plays an active role in supporting her mother’s advocacy work. This shared commitment to raising awareness and breaking down the stigma surrounding dementia was further strengthened when Melissa, a member of the Lifestyle Team at Manton Heights, decided to collaborate with Muriel on a book to capture their personal experiences.
For Melissa, this project is deeply personal. After her own father was recently diagnosed with dementia, she felt an even greater need to understand and support those living with the condition. Speaking about Melissa’s involvement, Lifestyle Lead Sian shared, “For Melissa, this has become an incredibly important and emotional journey. Working on this book with Muriel has given her comfort and a way to process her own experiences, while also creating something meaningful that can help others.”
The book, is an invaluable resource for families, loved ones, and visiting healthcare professionals. It provides an intimate and honest account of dementia, offering insights, reflections, and advice from two individuals whose lives have been profoundly touched by it. Through their words, Muriel and Melissa hope to reassure, educate, and support those who may be facing a similar journey.
At Manton Heights Care Centre, we are incredibly proud of Muriel and Melissa’s dedication to raising awareness and fostering understanding. Their book is a testament to the power of shared experiences and the impact that personal stories can have in shaping a more compassionate and informed approach to dementia care.
#DementiaAwareness #LivingWithDementia #MantonHeightsCareCentre #TibbsDementiaFoundation #MakingADifference
