Honouring Maggie: A Story of Love, Dementia, and the Power of Support

Dementia is often described as the cruellest of diseases, slowly stealing away memories and changing the way the world sees those living with it. But what never changes is the person at the heart of it all—their essence, their love, and the relationships they hold dear. Recently, we at Home Instead Worthing lost a beloved client, Margaret Elizabeth Smith (Known to us as Maggie), who lived with Alzheimer’s for two years before peacefully passing away on February 27, 2025. Her daughter shared a heartfelt tribute with us, and we feel privileged to honour Maggie’s life by sharing her message of hope, love, and the importance of support.

Maggie’s journey with dementia was not just about the challenges, but also about the strength of the relationships around her. Her daughter beautifully expressed what so many families experience—the importance of patience, understanding, and ensuring that those living with dementia are seen and valued. She reminded us all that, no matter what, Margaret remained the same incredible person, full of personality, warmth, and love.

In her words:

“In my Mum’s memory, I ask if you know someone with dementia, don’t stop the friendship. Remember they are still the same person. Act normal around them. So many people talk as if they are not in the room! Be patient. Listen to them repeat stories, get facts wrong, do crazy things. Dementia can be scary at times, but continued patience and understanding can make all the difference to them.”

Maggie’s wish was to remain in her own home, living independently, for as long as possible. Thanks to her family, friends, neighbours, and the dedicated support of our Care Professionals at Home Instead Worthing, as well as the team at Henfield Haven, this was made possible. It is a testament to the power of compassionate care and the difference that a supportive community can make in the lives of those living with dementia.

The Importance of Dementia Awareness and Specialist Care

At Home Instead, we believe that every person living with dementia deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. Our Care Professionals undergo specialist dementia training to ensure they provide the highest quality of care with empathy, respect, and understanding. We know that maintaining routine, offering companionship, and preserving dignity are essential elements of dementia care, and we are committed to continuing to support families on this journey.

We are also working on expanding our reach beyond our care services by engaging with the wider community to conduct Dementia Friends sessions. These sessions aim to spread awareness, encourage inclusivity, and equip people with the knowledge to support those living with dementia in their daily lives. We hope that, in sharing Margaret’s story, more people will be inspired to show patience, kindness, and unwavering support to their friends, family members, and neighbours affected by dementia.