Dementia is a debilitating condition that affects millions of individuals and families worldwide. However, one couple in the UK, Mr John Beard and his late wife Jean, were fortunate enough to have the support of a live-in carer for an unprecedented eight years.
Oyeyemi ‘Yemi’ Olaseinde became an integral part of the Beard family, caring for Jean as she battled with dementia. Yemi’s dedication and unwavering commitment to her job meant putting her life in London on hold for months at a time, as she stayed with the couple in their home in Great Longstone, in the Peak District.
The bond between Yemi and the Beards was undeniable, with Mr Beard fondly recalling how Yemi used to call him “dad”. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Yemi stayed with the couple for six consecutive months, providing a level of care that is rarely seen.
The Beards’ story is a testament to the benefits of live-in care, which promotes longevity and continuity of care. Mr Beard firmly believes that having Yemi in their home, rather than in a care facility, made a significant difference in his wife’s overall well-being and quality of life. This is supported by Elder, the live-in care agency that facilitated Yemi’s placement with the Beards, who have described this as the longest care placement they have ever arranged.
The Beards’ story is not just about care, but also about family. Yemi became an integral part of the family, with Mr Beard and his two children, Alastair and Fiona, entrusting her with their loved one’s care for eight years. Yemi’s presence brought joy and companionship to Mrs Beard, and she was embraced as a member of the family.
For Yemi, caring for the elderly has always been a passion, inspired by her own experience of looking after her grandmother, who also lived with dementia. She sees her role as more than just a carer, but also as a companion and friend to her clients.
Mr Beard also stresses the importance of an early diagnosis for dementia and urges families to look out for the signs and seek help immediately. This sentiment is echoed by Elder’s Head of Clinical, Bianca Wardle, who believes that an early diagnosis allows families to develop a personalized care plan and make informed decisions about care and future planning.
The Beard family’s experience with live-in care and Yemi’s unwavering dedication to her job is a heartwarming example of the positive impact of quality care and the importance of treating the elderly with compassion and dignity.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.