Rethink Dementia – Arvind
Arvind Salwan (55) is a scientist, charity founder and volunteer from Glasgow. As well as working full time, he is a care partner for his mum and previously cared for his dad who sadly passed away from pneumonia in 2023.
Caring for someone with dementia
Arvind’s father had Vascular Dementia, and Arvind said that his dad lived well with dementia until the time of his passing.
Arvind spoke of what it means to be a care partner for someone living with dementia. “It is a humbling, emotional and life-affirming experience.”
With the benefit of hindsight, Arvind feels it gifted them more time together.
“Caring for my dad was second nature. It was a symbol of my love and compassion, and I didn’t feel the need to label it as care, it came naturally”.
Getting a dementia diagnosis
Arvind remembers when his father was first diagnosed.
“He had forgotten his card at the supermarket, which was so unlike him”.
It was a challenging time in the lead up to Arvind’s father’s dementia diagnosis and Arvind noted that he wished it happened sooner, as it confirmed their suspicions.
Challenges
There were difficult periods, but Arvind reflects that it’s all about how you approach it.
“There were frustrating times for him, but I quickly came to realise that my dad just needed a bit of extra help and adjustment. Even the seemingly small things like boiling a kettle were no longer straightforward, so having patience and understanding was key.”
Arvind’s dad spoke several languages while he himself is bilingual. Arvind highlights the struggle for those living with dementia who are bilingual, or who have immigrated.
“Because of the nature of dementia, deep rooted linguistic memories are important, and this was the case for my dad – his native language was what he could remember best. This made it harder for some friends and family and, it was a struggle trying to get support for this need. I’m aware that charity, Playlists for Life, is looking into developing resources to help support this now, but there’s always more that can be done.”
Living well with dementia
Being outside and going for walks helped Arvind’s father live well with dementia.
“I placed importance on continuing to spend quality time together and doing things we would normally do as a family before my dad’s diagnosis, such as going on walks to Milngavie reservoirs. It’s so important to not let a diagnosis be a hinderance to you or someone you are caring for. Helping my dad live life to the fullest and as normal as he could was integral.”
After his father’s diagnosis, Arvind was part of the Scottish Government’s Lived Experience Advisory Panel. Through a poem he wrote with his father, they shared their experiences and advice to help other care partners and those living with dementia, live well.