Twelve Golden Gifts

One family's poignant, darkly funny and often heartbreaking experience of looking after their mother following a dementia diagnosis.

Chrisoula had long been known for her ability to fry up Greek honeyed donuts anytime a guest arrived on her doorstep, offering a listening ear and sage advice, and sending them off with a plate of the golden orbs to take home. She had cheeky blue eyes, a ready laugh and a generous heart-all of which had helped her deal with the many adversities she faced in her life.

When she was diagnosed with dementia, she drew on her trademark humour and earthy wit to ask the only questions that mattered: What would be the best photo to have on her gravestone? Did the glittering gold dress she wanted to be buried in need to be ironed? And would it hurt to enter the wormhole of death?

As Chrisoula's dementia progressed, her adult children Spiri and Dennis grappled with guilt, sadness and fatigue as they fumbled their way from one bewildering symptom, and care system, to the next. But their mother had given them some very special gifts which they could draw on to help with her care-and take with them long after she was gone.

With practical no-nonsense 'golden nuggets' on everything from diagnosis to dealing with grief, Twelve Golden Gifts is a must-read for anyone looking after an elderly loved one.