Mardi Denis - Burnaby/New Westminster Honouree
2023 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's
As Mardi Denis flips through family photo albums, the images bring her warm memories of her husband Larry and their children. Though dementia has changed their lives, it’s easy for Mardi to remember all the good times they shared.
Larry was born in Cornwall, Ontario and moved to Toronto in the 1960s, where he met Mardi. They were married in 1964. In 1966, he and Mardi, along with their young son moved to the West Coast together, where they enjoyed work and an active lifestyle, camping and experiencing nature together. Larry had tended to be critical in general – and Mardi was accustomed to hearing his criticism. About four years ago, however, his criticism worsened, to the point where Mardi was worried and uncomfortable. One such incident led to contact with the police, and Larry was admitted to the hospital in February 2021. He was later diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and depression.
Mardi felt relieved to know the cause of Larry's behaviour. With the support she receives from her network of family and friends, alongside a social worker and psychiatrist from Fraser Health, and the Alzheimer Society of B.C., Mardi was able to carry on in the caregiving journey. "I'm very lucky," Mardi says. Currently, Larry lives in a care home in Coquitlam. Besides Larry, Mardi also supports her friend who lives with dementia and is now in long-term care.
Since her initial contact with the Society, Mardi has been attending a caregiver support group in New Westminster and feels empowered by the support she receives from her peers.
Mardi had an active and fulfilling career as an occupational health nurse in both the public and private sectors – experience she draws on to offer other caregivers advice navigating the healthcare system and accessing help.
"Dementia is a difficult diagnosis,” she says. “But it helps to reassure the people who just got diagnosed that there is help for them, and we are here to support them."
Equally important, Mardi says, is to advocate for yourself and the person you’re caring for.
The caregiving role can be demanding. Mardi finds balance with rest and a healthy social life. Charlotte, her King Charles Spaniel, motivates her to go outside and walk, while her friends organize regular gatherings like pub nights to enjoy live music, food and good company. Mardi encourages caregivers to look after themselves, adding: "For the people you’re caring for, you're the most important to the person living with dementia."
Join Mardi on Sunday, May 28 for the Burnaby and New Westminster IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's. Together, we make memories matter.