"My father's life was transformed"

Our family is made up of my husband and I, three children and my father. My father lives in a self contained annexe to our home.

Life became very tough for us all last year when my dad was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia. From being entirely self sufficient, overnight he became totally dependent primarily on me. It was very hard for him and heartbreaking for us all.

The worst part for dad was the isolation. He is an extrovert and has always loved company and is never happier than when he is meeting people and enjoying their "patter".

Now when the children were at school and we were at work dad found himself alone with no way of getting out and about and this certainly pulled him down and made him feel quite lonely.

When the Stevenson Day Care Centre was first mentioned dad was unsure. This to him was like "being in a home" and he thought it wouldn't be for him.

However, from the very first moment he stepped in the door his opinion changed and his life was transformed. Stevenson Day Care Centre is the one positive thing that has happened for my dad since his diagnosis.

He counts down the days to each visit, he loves the staff, the new friends he has made and the feeling of independence going off for his day out "on his own".