David Waddell and Jo Barker have been active members of the Mandurah community since they moved here 14 years ago.
The couple are now facing a new challenge with the same proactive approach.
Two and a half years ago, Mr Waddell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which is the most common form of dementia.
On a trip overseas he developed a water-borne illness, and during his year-long recovery Ms Barker, his wife, began to notice that he was struggling with cognitive processes.
“We were putting together a flat-pack lawn mower and I noticed he was struggling, and memory wasn’t so good,” Ms Barker said.
“[He] started to lose names and dates and appointments... so we went to our GP, and he sent us off to a specialist.”
Following several scans and tests, Mr Waddell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s six months later.
As a highly active member of academic, business and local communities, for Mr Waddell the condition has meant a significant lifestyle change.
He trained as a primary school teacher, and his successful work in speech and drama programs led him on to work in high schools, and then teachers’ colleges.
He also trained business students on public speaking.
Eventually, he was asked to work in public affairs for Curtin University.
“The university decided they wanted to build a big structure to commemorate our wartime leader, Curtin… so the director of the university suggested that the two of us work on the project, because we had different skills to bring, and the first thing we had to do is to find $39 million… it was a challenge for us, and we did it,” Mr Waddell said.
The project came to include art galleries, a library, and an institute, which Ms Barker ended up running.
Even in retirement the couple have remained active community members.
“When we came [to Mandurah] we were determined to get involved in the community because we like those sorts of things,” Mr Waddell said.
He was the chairperson for the local Bendigo Bank for ten years, was on a consultative committee for Alcoa, and briefly chaired the Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation (MAPTO).
Ms Barker was the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre chairperson for ten years, and on the John Tonkin College board for four.
“I think the biggest thing for me was that David was examining for speech and drama which was something he had been doing for over 30 years, and they gave him a very packed schedule… very busy, and very stressful,” Ms Barker said.
She said things he had managed easily before Alzheimer’s, such as financial management and running a meeting, were not so easy any more.
“The illness was an annoyance because it sort of affected anything I did," Mr Waddell said.
“It meant I couldn’t do a lot of those things.”
His routine now has a slower pace, focused on maintaining physical health through exercise and diet, keeping social and keeping up with Mandurah’s performing arts scene, of which the couple are very fond.
Although Mr Waddell had to pass on many of his community roles in the last year, he was determined to find a new way to give back to the community, so both he and Ms Barker became advocates for Alzheimer’s WA.
“Because David’s always been in communication, and speaking out, and he’s got a high level of intellect, he’s coping with it better than others,” Ms Barker said.
“He misses his business links, talking to community groups, but in a way, what we’re doing with Alzheimer’s WA now has given him a bit of a focus, feeling as if he’s giving back something again.”
She said it was important to focus people with dementia on what they are able to do, rather than what they are unable to do.
“It’s a matter of re-positioning myself so I feel as though I’m making a contribution, within my capacity,” Mr Waddell said.
“I’ve enjoyed the experience of facing something that’s a bit bigger than has ever faced me before, and that I am capable enough to make a contribution back, with that support.”
The couple give presentations on Mr Waddell’s Alzheimer’s experience, and will speak at the next University of the Third Age meeting on October 25 at 2pm (for more information please call 9535 6565.)
They hope to make Mandurah a more dementia-friendly community, to ensure that even those who do not have the support of a partner or family do not become isolated, and can be a cared-for part of the community.
As advocates for the group they are also helping to raise funds for Ella’s House, a part-time care home in Mandurah opened by Alzheimer’s WA.
“People who are living with dementia can come and have a day there or a few days there a week, and there’s a men’s shed, and there’s going to be a sensory garden, and they’re looking for volunteers and are hoping to set up a friends group," Ms Barker said.
She said it was important for people with Alzheimer’s to accept support from friends and family, and be open with people about the condition.
She also said that it was important as a carer to take time for yourself and accept help.
“I think it’s important to accept care, and accept there comes a time when we all need professional help,” Ms Barker said.
“There is a guilt attached… because you feel you owe it to them to look after them. But you also owe it to yourself to look after yourself, and we have good care agencies in Mandurah, so look into those.”
Mr Waddell does find it difficult to deal with large groups, and has had to adopt a more simple lifestyle, but he is trying not to worry too much about the future, instead keeping focused on what he can contribute to the community at present.
“I’m looking at the day, I’m not looking at something that we don’t know what’s going to happen. So if I can do the best I can with the strong support I’ve got, that’s good,” he said.
“It’s been a very strong thing for me to have the sort of support that Jo gives, not just the physical support but her knowledge… What does stand out is the support and strength I’ve got here.”