A RETIRED nurse from Musselburgh is sharing more than 30 years’ experience of caring for people with dementia in a new book.

Dee Jenkins, 74, of Eskmills Road, said the main aim of the publication – I Remember Dementia – was to encourage carers of dementia patients.

Born in Dublin in 1945, Mrs Jenkins, who has lived in Musselburgh for 17 years, came to Scotland in 1964 to enter a religious order, the Novitiate for the Sisters of La Sagesse, at Leuchie House, North Berwick. When it closed as a convent, the home became available for respite work for multiple sclerosis sufferers.

Mrs Jenkins went on to train at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh from 1968 to 1977. She then joined the initial team of nurses at St Columba’s Hospice when it opened in 1977.

Mrs Jenkins left the order after 21 years and moved to Wales in 1989 to take up a position as matron in a care home specialising in dementia care.

She continued to care for people with dementia after returning to Scotland in 1996, spending a decade in Edinburgh until she retired at the age of 65.

Mrs Jenkins said: “I worked in independent care homes as a manager, with the responsibility of training staff in this specialised field.

“I was inspired to write the book because people are becoming more aware of dementia and conscious of the difficulties it involves.

“I hope that my experiences might encourage those caring at home and provide some practical help and guidance.”

She added: “I’m aware that Musselburgh as a town has shown a consciousness and willingness to provide supportive groups in this field of care, and hope this book may be of additional help and interest.”

The book is available on Amazon.