It is always an honor to speak with our clients and hear their inspiring stories of resilience and determination. Ewen Davies, a former minister of Christianity, shared his remarkable journey with us.
After spending four and a half years ministering in Fiji, he returned to Australia due to a series of health setbacks, including several heart attacks and strokes. Despite these challenges, Ewen was resolute in his recovery. He recounts,
“It took me four and a half months to get from being bedridden to walking to the beach across the road. My neighbour would move the chair a bit further each day until I could finally make it to the front.”
Although Ewen can’t recall the exact years of his heart attacks and strokes, he does remember being diagnosed with early onset dementia in 1995. The prognosis from his Doctor was grim: within three to five years, he would lose his memory, and within five to eight years, he would be deceased. Ewen’s faith, along with a structured routine, a meticulous diary, and detailed labels—even on his clothesline—has allowed him to live independently with support from Just Better Care and live beyond the prognosis.
When asked about living with dementia, Ewen describes it simply: “It’s like having a million dollars in the bank and occasionally forgetting the PIN to access it.” His art-filled unit reflects his enjoyment out of painting, and he even sells some of his work online. With his touch of artistic flair and a helping hand, he has also painted water tanks for some of his friends.
Ewen’s advice for those seeking home care with dementia is to persevere and maintain consistency with support workers. “Having the same support worker helps with your routine and builds a mutual understanding,” he explains. Ewen admits to a fear of supermarkets due to overwhelming choices, but his support worker’s familiarity with his needs makes shopping manageable for him.
“It makes a difference between struggling and managing, and I like that,
Ewen confidently recommends Just Better Care, noting, “The most important thing is that I’ve been able to trust them.” As our conversation concludes, Ewen’s obedience to his routine prompts him to politely ask me to leave.
