"Walk in their shoes, see what they see, hear what they hear, feel what they feel,
only then will you begin to understand dementia".
My Background
Hi, I am Maria Nicol and I am offering hope and inspiration to all those affected by dementia. I have been in the world of dementia for sixteen years, which began in my early thirties with both my mum and dad developing dementia.
The world of dementia was completely foreign to me as I had spent years as an ecologist restoring native bush and sand-dunes in New Zealand. I found being a carer really difficult, with huge learning curves that required a lot of patience and a willingness to change my behaviour. Which was not easy!
Mum and dad were my biggest teachers. Mum whilst living with dementia, was happy and joyful. She gave me the incredible gift to be able to understand the world of being a carer. Dad whilst living with dementia, was angry, anxious and confused. He gave me the unbelievable gift of seeing the world of dementia through the eyes of those living with it. I am forever grateful for these gifts they both gave me.
This journey with my parents encourages my continued personal and professional development. The joyful journey with Mum inspired me to complete a MSc in Advanced Dementia Studies through Bradford University UK. The challenging times with Dad inspires me to continue learning, teaching and sharing with the community.
Mum and me
Dad and me
Walking in their shoes
Have you ever thought about how the world may look and feel for a person living with dementia? A person's vision field may be narrowed or distorted, they may not hear every word or understand what is said, and as a result they may react differently to a seemingly normal situation. Dementia causes changes to the brain that can greatly impact a persons’ life including their ability to communicate, their awareness and rationale, emotions and reactions, and their senses, including vision and hearing. Remember that dementia will never change a person's ability to feel emotions, especially love.
My dementia education provides the perspective to walking in the person living with dementias’ shoes. We need to become curious about why someone living with dementia is reacting to a situation that may not make sense to us. Working out the “why” behind someone’s reactions is key to showing us how best to meet their individual needs, and fundamental human rights of dignity and respect.
In essence we are the key to making people living with dementias' world as 'contented' as possible. It is our approach to them that gives them the dignity they deserve. As internationally acclaimed dementia educator Teepa Snow states “Dementia does not rob someone of their dignity, it is our reaction to them that does”.
Thank you for being willing to make a change as you embark on my training.
Advocacy for people living with dementia
I am passionate about advocating for people living with dementia, who often do not get a chance to say how they feel or what they need. I walk alongside people living with dementia and help them stand in dignity and respect. I am willing to work with Boards and management if advocacy for people living with dementia is required.