Case Study – Sharon and Wyn’s story

Sharon, 63 and Wyn, 70 have been together for 28 years. They have three sons and live in Llanelli. Wyn has Parkinson's disease dementia and Sharon cares for him.

“In the beginning,” said Sharon, “Wyn would take flight. Sometimes the house would be empty when I got home from work. I’d go out searching and have to phone the police.”

Then Sharon heard about Delta CONNECT, which gives 24/7 support at the push of a button and can help support carers, helping to take some of that pressure away.

“They put sensors on our front and back doors,” Sharon explained. “I found out they could also help if Wyn fell. Now we have a red button lifeline, a pendant, the response team, and monthly wellbeing calls.”

This support has made a big difference to their lives, especially for Sharon.

“Having this help means I can still work,” said Sharon. Having this help means I can work. I’m a lunchtime supervisor at a local primary school and a cleaner at a secondary school. Work for me is a release. If you have a bad day, especially with the dementia side of things, you have that bit of independence and you’re back being yourself.”

Sharon also enjoys the monthly wellbeing calls. These friendly chats can really make a difference, especially if someone feels lonely or just needs someone to talk to.

“We gab forever! My regular caller, Tracey, feels like part of the family. As a carer, it means so much to have someone check in on me, too. You can offload, cry like a watermelon, and it’s okay!”

When Wyn needs urgent help, Sharon calls the Delta Wellbeing response team.

“Wyn often slides out of bed onto the floor and if I phone for the response team to come out, they are so friendly. I joke that they have his name up in lights, flashing red! They’ve got to know him; they have a rapport with him. Delta also contacts me if the door sensors go off. I feel secure, like I’m not alone.

“We had to have the team out just over a week ago because Wyn had got out of bed and was on the floor. Two responders came and we were able to move him and didn’t have to use the lifting chair.

“Sometimes they pull me aside and say, ‘take a break, you can’t burn yourself out’ and that’s what I did recently. Wyn has just come back from a few days in respite, and we’re back to our happy go lucky ways. If we didn’t have that banter, our marriage wouldn’t be what it is!”