Wife of Petersfield man diagnosed with rare dementia aged 51 calls for more desperately needed support

A WIFE who has had to place her husband in a care home is calling for more support for those affected by dementia.
Caroline Blatter, third from right, with husband Andrew (centre) who has frontotemporal dementia and now in a care home, with their children. Photo by Marie ManganCaroline Blatter, third from right, with husband Andrew (centre) who has frontotemporal dementia and now in a care home, with their children. Photo by Marie Mangan
Caroline Blatter, third from right, with husband Andrew (centre) who has frontotemporal dementia and now in a care home, with their children. Photo by Marie Mangan

Caroline Blatter, from Petersfield, and her four children were left heartbroken after husband and father Andrew had to into a care home three months ago.

The 57-year-old was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) six years ago and his family cared for him at home for as long as they could at home.

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Caroline said: ‘For our children, seeing their father in a care home, and watching him deteriorate is extremely painful. We are continually grieving for Andrew through every stage, even though he is still living.

‘We have no idea of his dementia journey ahead, but we do know that FTD is degenerative, progressive and there’s absolutely no dignity in the final stages.’

The family have been supported by charity Rare Dementia Support but are calling for more resources for people affected by rare forms of dementia.

Caroline said: ‘The support I have had from Rare Dementia Support and specific medical professionals in the team has been phenomenal and very specialist. I hold on to it like gold dust.

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‘We just need more of it because there isn’t enough support for the many individuals affected by these rare dementias.’

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The family featured in a short film shown at The National Brain Appeal’s fundraising dinner for Rare Dementia Support and celebrities including Edward Fox, Joanna David, Patricia Hodge, Richard Arnold and John Suchet attended the event which raised £110,000.

The proceeds will go towards expanding the Rare Dementia Support service and provide support groups in parts of England and Wales not currently covered and to set up groups in Scotland for the first time.

Caroline also helps to organise a choir for local people with dementia to take part in and she plans to run the sessions at Petersfield Rugby Club three times a month.

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Theresa Dauncey, chief executive of The National Brain Appeal, said: “We are so grateful to Caroline Blatter and her family for bravely sharing their experience.

‘The National Brain Appeal has a long history of championing research into dementias as well as funding support services for those affected and their families. Through expanding the support groups and establishing a world-leading centre in London, the aim is that everyone affected by a form of rare dementia will have access to specialist support, information and learning.’

To find specialist information and support groups go to raredementiasupport.org

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