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When Grandma Came to Stay ISBN: 9780993528019
Elliott, Matt and Nunn, David William
Published by Alzheimer's Research UK, 2015
This lovely picture book from Dementia Research UK will provide lots of reassurance for young families faced with the care of a relative with dementia. When the little girl is told that Grandma is coming to live with them, she wants to know why. There follows a simple explanation of dementia and that Grandma can no longer look after herself safely. A room is made to look as much like Grandma's old home as possible with pictures and her cuddly cat, Maisie, and Grandma seems pleased to be there. The little girl soon notices differences, though. Grandma seems to live in the past much of the time, even calling her granddaughter names of friends she had as a child. The tea in the cupboard is the wrong kind because 'Mother always buys the tea in the blue tin'. It all takes a lot of getting used to, and the little girl soon learns to play along with whatever her gran says. One day, Grandma is looking forward to a visitor - her cousin John who lives in America. Except that John has died years ago; Grandma spends much of the day waiting for him, finally falling asleep and forgetting. She becomes a bit snappy and cross, and there comes a time when the family can no longer looking after her and they must find a nursing home. Her eyes have lost their sparkle, and she talks very little. Even the make-believe games she has played with her granddaughter are no longer possible. It is a sad time when gran must go into the nursing home, but the family is given a tour, and once again a room is set up for her with her pictures and belongings. The family visit regularly and the little girl always brings flowers and has time to tell her gran all about home and Maisie and to pat her hand as she has always done. It is a sad story as such stories are, but there is such family love that finally we know gran is having the best of care. There is also humour at some of the things Grandma does as is also the case with dementia. The story is well written and interesting - a real story and not just a factual one - and there are some pictures too. An excellent introduction to the subject for young children who need to understand what is happening to a loved grandparent. Not available from Amazon, but can be got from the Alzhemer's Research website, where you will also find a digital version of the book. www.alzheimersresearchuk.org.
Age: 5+