Dani Bentick Fistr, The Longest Goodbye (DOCO 2024)

This documentation demonstrates a daughters love of her mother who has dementia, an ex-husband that is watching a woman he has known for most of his life drift away, and the many rapid and dynamic thoughts and emotions running through Joanne’s brain, as it lets her down in what inevitably be ‘The Longest Goodbye’. A word that often gets thrown around as one of the leading causes of death in Australia, yet we know/learn so little about it. We do know that Dementia is the term used for the symptoms of another disease, such as Alzheimer's or Lewy body disease. We do know that it is not yet curable. We do know that if our loved one is diagnosed, we will endure the longest goodbye, and as we mourn the loss of the mind, that once was, we will meet another version of our loved one. Sometimes, that version can be unknowingly hurtful as they move through the stages and experiences of Dementia. We also must learn to know that this is not them as we have known them and that they are unable function, regulate or express emotions the way they were once able to...this is a hard lesson for families to learn. We know a few things as non-diagnosed, but have you ever wondered, ‘What do those diagnosed know?’ I know I'm doing something but unsure what it was or why? I know that I've used this object I am holding, but what for and who owns it? I'm sure it's mine, I'll pop it somewhere that no one will find it, so it's safe. I know I’ve seen this woman before, but how do I know her and who is she? I don't think I like them, do I? I know I need to go to the bank, as I have an uneasy feeling about my money being taken, probably by that man over there. Oh, I know I love this person, I feel safe with them. I wonder who they are? Oh?!, my daughter??? I know Dad was coming in to see me today, but this woman is telling me he died 30 years ago, I'm in shock. I know I'm uneasy, and they are telling me to sleep, but I'm ready for the day. I know I'm going to miss the bus for school if I don't hurry. I know...I don’t know… We need to raise awareness about Dementia and if we have loved ones living with it, don't give up on them in a time they need you most.

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