Clare and Tom’s dementia journey

Clare had never experienced dementia before her husband Tom’s diagnosis. Although they managed at home for several years, things gradually became overwhelming.

Tom started to become very agitated and would leave the house in the middle of the night, trying to find the keys Clare had hidden to prevent him driving the car - Clare knew she could no longer keep him safe at home. 

“I just couldn’t cope, and I was getting virtually no sleep because he would be up in the night – it was impossible to maintain," adds Clare. “He wasn’t safe and it was getting more and more difficult. And if he did get out of the house we didn’t know where he might go.”

In July 2024, Clare made the difficult decision to move Tom, who is now 87, to our Abercorn House Care Home in Hamilton, Lanarkshire. While the transition was emotional, she was met with warmth, understanding, and unwavering support from the dedicated care team. 

“This is my first experience of dementia and it is quite a learning curve,” she explains.  

“I’m not exaggerating when I say you couldn’t meet nicer or more caring people. They listen to you and if you have a problem with anything they help you to solve it."

Clare feels very comfortable at Abercorn House, visiting every day to spend time with her husband of 58 years.  

“I am always here and we sit and chat and reminisce a lot. Tom gets very well looked after here – he eats very well and the care has been very good, I couldn’t fault it.”

And for Clare, she has the peace of mind that Tom is not only getting the care he needs, he is safe and settled.

For more about care options with Sanctuary Care, our Enquiry Support Team is here to help on free-phone 0808 281 7047.