Hershey's diagnosis with vascular dementia dates back to when he was in his mid 70s. He had a stroke behind his eyes. At first he struggled with things like using a phone and then his ability to do things got worse. During lockdown he could walk with help to the front door and sit at a chair outside for company. At that point he couldn't really speak much. The house had to be adapted for a walk-in shower and stairlift as he could no longer climb the stairs or get into the bath. Eventually even getting upstairs became too difficult so Maddie had to get him a special bed downstairs in their lounge. This has meant Maddie having to get help from specially trained carers to get him up in a morning and to help him back to bed using a hoist. It's tiring and emotionally draining but Maddie would not want him cared for by anyone else or in any other way. Her love for and bond with him is clear in how she looks after him and the way she talks about him.
Maddie wakes up in the morning and chats to Hershey until the carers arrive to lift him out of his bed onto his chair as well as dressing him. Once the carers have gone, Maddie makes herself and Hershey breakfast and feeds him in his chair whilst chatting to him. At around 2pm, the carers return and move Hershey back to his bed where he has an afternoon nap. Once he wakes up, Maddie makes him afternoon tea (cake and a cup of tea) and feeds him in his bed. The carers then return later in the day to get him ready for bed.
Throughout this shoot I have learnt so much about Maddie and Hershey and how Hershey was in his life before dementia. He was a lovely working man, who enjoyed spending time with friends and family. I have loved watching how much love and care Maddie has for Hershey, even if he cannot physically reciprocate. It takes a strong woman to emotionally and physically cope with this. Her love is so strong she doesn’t give up even if it’s difficult.
Hershey and Maddie
Stair lift which was installed in Maddie and Hershey’s house to help Hershey move up the stairs. However, due to how severe his dementia now is, he cannot even use that, which is why he has a bed now in the living room.
Maddie talking to Hershey whilst he is sitting in his chair.
Maddie Making Hershey a cup of tea.
Maddie Feeding Hershey his tea in his bed.
Maddie bonding with Hershey his bed.
Hershey’s bed is prepared and fully equipped exactly as you would find in a hospital. Such as the waterproof bed pads, adjustable bed frame, blue plastic lift support, etc.
Maddie putting the candles on Hershey’s birthday cake as he turns 82 years old.
Maddie telling Hershey to wake up so they can blow out the candles for his birthday.
Maddie blowing out Hershey’s birthday candles as he cannot do it himself.
Maddie looking through pictures of herself and Hershey when they were younger. This photograph was their wedding day. (Maddie is pointing at Hershey on the left)
Maddie showing Hershey the old pictures of them when they were both younger.
Hershey’s sleeping in his chair.