DEMENTIA CARER IS ‘SIMPLY THE BEST’

AT AN age when others might be easing back a bit, John Gaunt, 89, spends two days a week as a volunteer on a dementia ward at the royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

It’s demanding work, requiring skill and kindness which John dispenses by the bucketload, combined with a dedication and energy that make him unique, say his colleagues — and it’s why they nominated him for the Health Hero awards.

They described how John goes to great lengths to treat each patient as an individual, thoroughly researching their background to pull out information that might help him bring back memories and connect with that person.

Then, with a characteristic wave of his hands, he gets to work, listening and talking, singing, even dancing — whatever it takes to put patients at ease.

‘His charisma and charm truly brighten up the ward,’ says Danielle Wilde, who leads dementia care on the ward.

‘John is one of the most interesting and energetic colleagues I have ever worked with and the staff look forward to his visits as much as the patients do.’

‘ He’s simply the best,’ adds richard Scarth, who oversees the royal Free Charity’s 900 volunteers. ‘I get more positive feedback about John than anyone.’

John arrives promptly for his shift at 9am and although he should clock off at 1pm is, despite his age, often still working late into the afternoon.

‘I’m not going to dash off home just because my shift is over,’ he says. ‘I go when I feel I have done what I can with my patients.’ officially he works two days a week — but sometimes ends up working more.

John, who lost his wife Betty to Parkinson’s and cancer in 2000, was inspired to become a volunteer after visiting the hospital for radiotherapy for his prostate cancer four years ago. ‘I left it too long, so they can’t cure it,’ he says, matter-of-factly.

‘When I went in for my treatment I saw a sign asking for volunteers and thought, “I could do that”.’

The retired illustrator used to run his own stationery business, and adds: ‘When I was in business I would go home asking myself “why do I do this?” — but now I leave knowing I’ve helped make a real difference. It’s the best thing I have ever done.’