Living your best life with dementia
Norm is 96 years old and living with advanced dementia. While his recollection of his life stories isn’t what it used to be, his fantastic Support Workers have managed to capture some of his prominent life stories, which they frequently share with Norm to help him remember his rich and colourful history.
Born in August 1927, Norm was the first baby to unmarried parents. Unfortunately, this meant Norm was taken away from them and placed in a boys’ home in Victoria where he stayed until he turned 16 and joined the Defence Services. While Norm’s mother had attempted to get her son back, her attempts were unsuccessful and he didn’t have contact with her until her later years. During this time, his parents married, and Norm’s siblings were brought up in a family environment.
Norm has fond stories from growing up in the boys’ home, particularly with his mate Clive. He and Clive would get up to all kinds of mischief together in class and when going to church on Sundays, they would flick the money in the collection bag and swipe a few coins. “We were giving to the poor,” laughed Norm. “Us.”
He and Clive would use the money for lunch or lollies – a welcome change from the undercooked tripe and onions often served up in the home!
In the Navy
After Norm left the boys’ home, he joined the Navy. He thought it was wonderful getting paid to travel to different countries and was given much nicer food – no more tripe!
Norm spent 12 years as part of the Australian Navy and has told stories of visiting Hiroshima just after the atomic bomb was dropped. He was also deployed to the Antarctic as part of the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition where he managed to fall into the icy cold water. There were no complaints from Norm though as he spent the next 24 hours being meticulously cared for at the local hospital where he was kept for observation.
Norm also met his first wife while still in the Navy. They went on to have four children together – three daughters and one son.
After leaving the Navy, Norm joined the Postmaster General (PMG) which eventually separated to form Australia Post and Telecom (later, Telstra). He drove trucks up to the mine sites in Western Australia, carting cables and wires for the new mining towns being built (along with some contraband freight)! He later became head of the fleet of motorcycles, keeping all the posties on their toes with his checks to make sure the bikes were all up to spec.
Love of his life
Norm and his first wife eventually separated, and Norm went on to marry a second time – this time to the love of his life, June. The couple spent 50 years together before her passing. During this time, they travelled extensively in their caravan, although Norm’s memories of this time have faded. They retired in Maylands where Norm would take pride in his car and gardens, even taking care of the gardens of the adjacent public house!
Norm is currently in a relationship with Dot, who lives a few doors down. Dot’s companionship is important to Norm, and she helps him to live his best life.
Present day
Norm’s advancing dementia means he needs assistance with most tasks these days. When Avivo started working with him around seven years ago, he had early onset dementia and could still remember many of his life stories. It’s thanks to this, his Support Workers and his daughter that his stories and memories can live on, and each person can trigger Norm’s recollection by sharing a few details with him.
When Avivo started working with Norm, it was mostly for social support and connection to community. He attended some outside organisations to form friendships and went on regular outings. He’s also participated in Avivo’s SilVR Adventures experience to visit places from his past via virtual reality. His first stop was Japan!
Norm still lives a full and active life. While he can’t cover the distances he used to, he still gets out for short walks and loves to go for a coffee and an éclair. He’s also fond of a beer, although he has to settle for alcohol-free these days.
Norm has supports every day from either his daughter, Avivo or the Department of Veterans Affairs. His supports include providing meals and drinks, laundry, domestic cleaning, medication prompts and more. It is with this support that Norm can stay in his own home and live his life the way he chooses.
While Norm’s memory may be affected by his dementia, his spirited character still shines through and the twinkle in his eye and smile on his face reveal a life well-lived.
