Alzheimer’s Action Day is a dedicated day to raise awareness, support research and encourage action against Alzheimer’s disease. One of our Margaret Hubery House residents, Lidia, is living with Alzheimer’s.
For Lidia and those closest to her, the day is a chance to share a more personal story about the importance of connection, friendship and seeing the whole person.
Lidia’s life of courage, creativity and connection
Lidia’s story begins far from Western Australia. She grew up near Kyiv, in what was then the Soviet Union, where she became fluent in both Russian and Ukrainian. In 1992, she made the brave move to Australia without speaking any English. Within five years, she was working in English at a large engineering consultancy, an achievement her long-time partner Lewis speaks about with deep pride. Lidia and Lewis met through work in the late 1990s and have been inseparable ever since.
Seeing the whole person
While Alzheimer’s is now part of Lidia’s story, it is far from the whole story of who Lidia is. She is an engineer, an artist, a gardener, a music lover and someone Lewis describes as strong-willed, stubborn and full of personality. Many of the paintings in her room are her own, and music has continued to be a meaningful way for her to connect with the people around her.
Lewis recalls playing songs on the piano while Lidia sang along, including moments when familiar melodies brought back Russian words and memories.
“Music is very powerful, and transports you back to moments in time” he said.
Finding connection beyond words
As Lidia’s Alzheimer’s progressed, English became harder for her to access. For Lewis, one of the most difficult parts has been knowing how isolating it can be when the people around you do not share your first language.
But at Margaret Hubery House, staff have found meaningful ways to connect with Lidia beyond words. Vandana, who works at the site, has built a strong friendship with her.
“Lidia is a wonderful lady and I love spending time with her,” Vandana said. “She enjoys going on walks around the unit. She enjoys listening to music and watching concerts. Although Lidia mainly speaks Russian, I can usually communicate with her using gestures and smiles. I find she responds well when I give her hugs and speak gently to encourage her. She loves seeing her family and Lewis. She is genuinely such a joy to be around.”
Support for families and carers
Lewis says one of the hardest parts of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is recognising when professional support is needed. For many families, that decision comes only after they have tried to manage for as long as possible.
“The emotional side is very hard,” Lewis said. “I think most of us leave it too late to accept that, as much as I want to help, it’s got to the point where I’m out of my depth.”
His advice to other families is gentle but honest: every person’s experience of Alzheimer’s is different, and every family will need different forms of support. What matters is knowing that support is available, and that carers do not have to face the journey alone.
A place that feels like home
Lidia moved to Margaret Hubery House after it became clear she needed the care of a high-dependency unit. Lewis says it has been a relief to see Lidia settle into her surroundings and begin to see the home as familiar.
For Lewis, knowing Lidia is surrounded by people who understand the importance of friendship, routine and connection has made a profound difference.
Talking about Alzheimer’s, together
Alzheimer’s Action Week is an opportunity to talk more openly about Alzheimer’s disease and the support people need to stay connected to the communities, routines and relationships that matter to them. Lidia’s story is a reminder that every person living with Alzheimer’s has a lifetime of experiences, talents, relationships and memories that deserve to be honoured.
During Alzheimer’s Action Week, stories like Lidia’s help open the conversation - not only about the challenges of Alzheimer’s, but about the compassion, creativity and human connection that continue to matter every day.
If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, you don’t have to face it alone. Southern Cross Care WA offers Dementia Retreats, respite care and specialised support, including high-dependency care for people living with dementia. To find out how we can support you and your loved one, call us on 1300 669 189.
You can access valuable Dementia resources from the Dementia Australia Website: Dementia Australia
