Family of man with Alzheimer’s disease say it takes village to care

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Family of man with Alzheimer’s disease say it takes village to care

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but the family of Clement Strain now know that it takes a village to care for people into their twilight years.

The family moved Mr Strain from Bondi to Yamba in northern New South Wales five years ago when it became apparent that Alzheimer's disease was robbing the former solicitor of his ability to live independently.

Clemmie became well-known around the seaside village, with locals gently guiding him home when he became confused or disoriented during his daily walks.

Ally Strain said there was no way that his grandfather could not have maintained his quality of life living with family without the help of the community.

Everyone knew Clemmie, everyone knew his circumstances, and if they didn't, a local would quickly jump in and walk him home, it was amazing. The community gathered this week for Mr Strain's wake at the Pacific Hotel, where he used to stop in for a beer.

Sharlene Locke said the pub's staff would miss him dearly.

Friend Sevtap Yuce met Mr Strain in Bondi, but got to know him better in Yamba where he would come into her cafe for a morning coffee and do the crossword.

He would tell you the most beautiful stories, he would make you melt, we all adored him, Ms Yuce said.

She said that Mr Strain struggled to understand the COVID lockdowns and he lost the rhythm of his daily wanderings around town.

She said he forgot where the cafe was and would be asking around the street for Sevtap.

Everyone, the bank, the supermarket, had a connection to him. The family of Mr Strain took a proactive approach to seeking help for Mr Strain as his condition worsened by posting a picture on the local social media page asking people to look out for him.

He is usually very friendly and may say he wants to go to Bondi, but he needs to find somewhere to get a shave. If you can get him to the corner of Coldstream St out the front of the cafe, he will be able to walk home alone, Ally Strain posted on Facebook last July.

Ms Strain said it was wonderful to see a community care for an older person.

She said she didn't think he would have had the same level of care as he did in Bondi.