My Mum, Her Memory, and the Support That Gave Us Hope Again By Priya Sharma in Wyong NSW
It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to slowly lose someone who’s still physically with you. That’s what Alzheimer’s does. For the past five years, I’ve been watching my mum—the woman who raised me with love and strength—fade in and out of moments, memories, and recognition.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is more than just making sure they’re safe. It’s about being emotionally present, constantly adapting, and often feeling helpless. I did my best. But after the third year, I realised I needed help. Not because I didn’t care—but because I cared too much to do it alone.
That’s when I found Coastwide Community Care in Wyong, here on the Central Coast of NSW.
I searched endlessly for services that would truly understand what my mother needed—not just physically, but emotionally. That’s when I discovered their Alzheimer's & Dementia Daily Care program through Coastwide’s website. I filled out their contact form and got a call back the very next day. From the very first conversation, I felt comforted. They didn’t speak in complicated medical terms or read from a brochure—they asked real questions about my mum. About her personality. Her past routines. Her triggers. Her joys.
What Their Care Looked Like
Within a week, a care plan was set up. A lovely lady named Melissa, trained in dementia support, began visiting us every morning. She didn’t rush anything. For the first few days, she just sat with Mum, spoke gently, played old Hindi songs, and held her hand. Slowly, Mum began responding. Some days she even smiled—something I hadn’t seen in weeks.
The daily support routine included:
Morning personal care and medication reminders
Helping Mum with breakfast and dressing
Short memory-boosting activities like sorting photos or simple puzzles
Light walks in our backyard
Social interaction and quiet storytelling
Afternoon calming time with music or flower arranging
But beyond these tasks—it was the empathy and consistency that made the biggest difference.
Before and After: A Noticeable Change
Before the care started, my mother was agitated most of the day. She barely slept at night, didn’t recognise familiar objects, and often refused to eat.
After just one month with Coastwide’s support:
Her sleep pattern improved
Her appetite came back
She stopped crying randomly during the day
And most importantly—she began responding to me again, by name
I felt like I was getting small pieces of my mum back. Not completely—but enough to remind me she was still there.
What Coastwide Gave Me
As a carer, I was exhausted. I had no time for myself and was emotionally drained. Coastwide’s service didn’t just support Mum—they supported me. They gave me space to rest, recharge, and reconnect with myself.
Knowing my mum was cared for by trained, compassionate professionals gave me the peace of mind I hadn’t felt in years.
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