Facing Dementia Together: Scottish holiday company offers carers respite

That’s not necessarily the case when it comes to dementia, where routine is paramount.

But when Sue Bourne, manager of Scottish holiday let company, Cottages and Castles, saw family members affected by the illness, she wanted to do something to help others dealing with dementia.

Sue’s mum passed away from the disease last year and more recently her daughter’s father-in-law died with the condition.

She wanted to offer free breaks to carers of dementia patients, most often partners, as an acknowledgement of all they do.

The scheme was introduced last year and Sue was surprised to hear the dementia patient often went along on the trip, too – and was all the better for the change of scenery and routine.

“The fact it’s been so well received is heart-warming and we plan to do it again this year,” Sue said.

“Sometimes carers are forgotten about and it can be hard for them, more so than for the patient.

“That’s why we were thinking in terms of the carer taking a break rather than the person with Alzheimer’s, but at the end of the day it doesn’t matter – what’s important is the people went and it gave them a little boost.”

Sue has around 600 properties on her books and reached out to each of the owners to see if they would be willing to donate a short break.

We spoke to a couple living with dementia who received a massive lift from holidays they never imagined they would be able to take.

Forty-five years ago, Peter and Marion Berekis honeymooned in Embo, near Dornoch.

Last September, they unexpectedly returned.

“It was lovely,” Marion said.

“We went to Embo, Ullapool, the Black Isle.

“I think it jogged memories for him.

“He said he remembered being in some of the places.

“I was worried about the change in routine and thought it might be too much, but it was actually a help rather than a hindrance.

“I had none of the usual problems, like getting him up in the morning.

“We went runs in the car and lots of walks.

“He’s always enjoyed wildlife and we found a feeding station for red kites, which he loved watching.”

Marion Berekis, whose husband Peter is currently in hospital with dementia. (Andrew Cawley/DC Thomson)

The holiday came at an ideal time after a tough period recently.

The Linwood couple, parents to Alissa and Iain, met at a dance in Edinburgh.

Peter spent time in the Parachute Regiment before becoming a telephone engineer.

“He was diagnosed with dementia nine years ago,” grandmother-of-four Marion explained.

“The 40 years I spent in nursing didn’t prepare me for it.

“He’s always been a character and would cover it up with humour to begin with. Peter’s never said there is a problem.

“My daughter took a long time to come to terms with it, especially when he didn’t recognise her.”

Life became even harder when Marion was diagnosed with bowel cancer two years ago.

She required radiotherapy and chemotherapy before undergoing major surgery.“He didn’t really know what I was going through. The family brought him in after my surgery but he became very upset. I have the all-clear at the moment.

“I coped with my own cancer, but it was different when the youngest of my three sisters was diagnosed. She passed away last March.”

So when Marion’s niece saw a note in a Memory Lane clinic advertising the holiday offer, Marion put her and 77-year-old Peter’s names forward.

“They asked where I would like to go and I said the Highlands, as I grew up in Muir of Ord and still have family there, so if things didn’t go to plan at least there were relatives nearby.

“I feel so lucky to have been given the chance to take up the offer.

“The picturesque cottage in Dingwall was perfect for us.”

While Peter’s been in hospital recently being assessed for his on-going care, Marion can look back on that week in the Highlands with nothing but good memories.

“The holiday gave us the chance to spend quality time together away from it all after everything that’s happened.

“I can’t recommend it highly enough.”

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