HeartSmart Case Study: Bev

Bev, 64, from Orpington, lost her beloved husband suddenly on holiday in Spain this summer.  Her husband, Kev, who had worked in engineering, had been living with early onset dementia since his late forties. His untimely death was not related to his condition.

The couple had been married for 45 years and have four children and eight grandchildren, plus six ‘bonus’ step grandchildren. Bev had become her husband’s full time carer as his condition deteriorated.

Here, Bev explains how Mytime Active’s Primetime programme helped to keep both herself and her husband active and provided them with fun opportunities for socialising.

The programme offers more than 90 physical activity sessions each week for those over 60, including specialised programmes for dementia wellbeing and those with limited mobility.

Bev says: “The Primetime group became like a family to me and Kev and, since his untimely death, they have continued to support and help me as a navigate my own grief and the next stage of my life.”

She explains: “It took a long time to originally get Kev’s diagnosis.  My family and I knew he wasn’t quite right. However, on diagnosis it felt like we were very much left to ourselves to muddle through the condition. 

“When I learnt about the dementia-friendly bowling it seemed like a great fit.  We really enjoyed the group, it was extremely friendly and welcoming, and for Kev especially, he didn’t feel patronised or talked down to. He was treated like a ‘normal person.’  He was just Kev, not someone with dementia.

“We encouraged Mytime Active to provide more dementia-friendly sessions and we both loved the Strength and Stability classes.  It’s funny because Kev wasn’t the sort of person that would have gone to a group exercise class, but he absolutely loved it.  Kev was always the life and soul of the party, and enjoyed a giggle and a joke. He loved the music and the instructors, and always enjoyed the cup of tea and biscuits afterwards.

“Coming to the Primetime sessions was good for both our wellbeing. It gave us a routine, it forced us out of the house, and the Strength and Stability sessions are excellent for our health as we age.

“Everyone is made to feel welcomed at Primetime, and everyone from the instructors and the programme managers to the volunteer buddies and all the attendees are kind, supportive and encouraging.

“When Kev died unexpectedly, the Primetime team went above and beyond. I was simply overwhelmed by the support they provided me. They rallied around and I really couldn’t have asked for anything more.  Without them I would have floundered.  We held Kev’s celebration of life at Mytime Active’s Crofton Hall, and once again the Primetimers helped me to arrange his memorial and attended in their droves. It made the day really special.

“It took a bit of time for me to return to Primetime since Kev’s death. However, I am now back, coming to Strength and Stability with my friend Vesna, who also has dementia. We keep each other going and support one another through life’s trials.

“I am currently waiting on an operation on my heel, which makes my mobility a bit tricky. However, once I am more agile I plan to keep coming to the classes and might try aqua aerobics.

“I would recommend the Primetime programme to anyone over 60. Don’t ever feel afraid to attend, as Primetime makes you feel like you are at home. My only request now would be for even more activities!”