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Esther Whittlesea Reed
Name:
Esther Whittlesea Reed
Job Title:
Carer and person with lived experience
Place of work / study:
Person with lived experience in research studies
Area of Research:
Supporting insight into lived experience of those with dementia, young onset dementia and also impact on young families of a parent with dementia . The role of psychotherapy in supporting this with and impacted by dementia
How is your work funded:
Alzheimers Society
Tell us a little about yourself:
Dementia has now been part of my family life for about 10 years. My wife was diagnosed in 2018 at the point our children were just over 18 months and 6 years old. It was very difficult for her to be diagnosed and to find psychological and practical tailored support that met our family’s needs. It was a significant trauma in all our life and we worked hard together to not allow dementia to rupture our marriage and blow our family apart. Along this journey many professionals have not only been involved but also ‘learnt ‘ from us. We continue to ‘be family’ even as my wife’s dementia has accelerated and progressed. If I/we can in anyway help others to navigate this with more support and less fight than we have had to turn this will only be a positive outcome.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I’ve understood that love and courage take many forms and that all need to keep an open mind – my wife and my children continue to teach me something new everyday.
Why did you choose to work in dementia:
It has impacted my life , my wife’s and my Childrens directly and this has motivated me to share for others what I have learnt on this eventful part of my life journey
What single piece of of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Never assume you know how it is – be curious , allow others to open up and break open their experiences and learn from this.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
The salt road – about determination and carrying on against the odds
Favourite film of all time?
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
I enjoying grabbing what the diverse melting pot of London has to offer from festivals to world music cuisine and art – to celebrate diversity and to feel thankful for it.
What’s the best decision you ever made?
Following my own path and supporting those around me to do the same . To live life with courage compassion and optimism
What’s the best vacation spot?
Always the last one! However a family trip to Colombia with us all including my wife with dementia celebrating my 50th birthday will always be special.
Do you collect anything?
Art and literature from around the world.
Would you like to share your playlist?
Can we find you on social media?
No sorry
