The day Mum disappeared

Caring for ageing parents brings emotional and practical challenges.
Matt grew up in a loving Christian home, but watching his parents decline with dementia and Parkinson’s has been confronting and heart-wrenching.

Early signs of illness often go unnoticed.
Subtle memory issues and physical slowdowns were initially easy to dismiss—until a serious incident made the reality unavoidable.

The day his mum disappeared was terrifying.
After hours of searching and fearing the worst, Matt’s mum was thankfully found safe—but the incident marked a clear turning point in her care needs.

Making care decisions is painful but necessary.
Moving his mum into a dementia ward meant separating his parents—but it ultimately brought safety, relief, and improved quality of life for both.

Music continues to be a source of connection.
Despite dementia, Matt’s mum can still play piano and sing hymns—a powerful reminder that joy and identity remain even as memory fades.

Faith and family routines bring hope and meaning.
Sharing music, hymns, and moments together helps Matt honour who his parents were—and still are—amid the decline, grounding him in love and grace.