Couple ready for Walk to Remember

When Senga Wallace was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at age 73, it shook her to the core.

The worst part of her diagnosis was the loss of her independence, but after two years of living with Alzheimer’s she has finally learnt how to accept the help available to her.

“Luckily, I got amazing support from my lovely husband and the lovely people from Hawthorn House,” she said.

“This has made the journey so much easier with the knowledge that you are not alone.

“The staff are so fantastic and they make me feel so good on a bad day.

“I’ve become a part of a lovely family and treated as an individual with respect and care.”

Through services provided by Hawthorn House and Silver Chain, as well as help from family and friends in Mt Barker, Ms Wallace is able to live at home with her husband Leigh.

Mr Wallace said the journey had been challenging at times but the support the couple had received had made it bearable.

“We were really grateful we were introduced to Hawthorn House early at the start of this journey. We noticed that other people have tried to cope by themselves, but I just don’t think it’s possible,” he said.

“I personally think the No.1 thing is acceptance — you have to accept the situation, and then accept the support that’s available.

“Once you’ve achieved that, it’s not exactly easy street but it’s the next best thing.”

The couple will participate in the Walk to Remember this Sunday to raise awareness and much-needed funds for research into Alzheimer’s disease.

This will be the second time Mr Wallace has participated in the event, but it will be his wife’s first time.

“She will be in her wheelchair and she will have a Scottish tartan on as well as a teddy bear to accompany her throughout the walk,” he said.

“I will be right behind her, pushing her at a great speed.”

The Walk to Remember will be held at Middleton Beach on Sunday.

Registration opens at 7am, with the walk starting at 9am.

Every dollar raised from the event will go towards ensuring no one faces dementia or Alzheimer’s alone.

To donate, visit https://www.mycause.com.au/page/214869/walk-for-senga.