Publish date: 17 September 2026
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Marcus had his life anchored in Queensland. Yet when his mother Audrey began to show signs of dementia, he didn’t hesitate to upend his life in Queensland and come to Perth to care for her.
Marcus explained that he’d done it before with his father. Then, he had come home from working in Queensland to be by his father’s side for his last six months. Despite the situation, Marcus remembers the ordeal fondly: “It was a chance to get to know him. It turns out there was a lot I didn’t know.”
He set out to care for his mother the same. He settled himself in Perth and moved in with Audrey to care for her. As Audrey’s condition progressed, the level of care she needed increased.
Marcus found Audrey awake at all hours of the night. As her carer, he focused on doing what he could to keep her safe and settled. For two to three years, he lived with broken sleep, eventually using a baby monitor in his mother’s room so he could check she was okay through the night.
Marcus remembered that conversation with his mother became difficult. He admitted that at times, no matter how much he cared, he got frustrated.
She’d ask about her granddaughter, “How’s Amber doing?”
Marcus would reply, “She’s going well, she’s working in Austria.”
“Oh, that’s good. What’s she doing for work?”
“She’s working for the U.N. mother.”
“How’s Amber doing?”
These circular conversations became daily routine.
Marcus was forced to make a tough decision. He did what he could to learn more about dementia, but despite Marcus’ commitment to caring for his mother, the decision was ultimately made for him.
Audrey was admitted to hospital and was released under the condition that she be admitted to a high-care facility. Marcus and Audrey found their way to Bethanie Beachside Aged Care Home.
“As a child, who wants to do their best for their parent, at the end of the day you can only do so much. 24-hour care is very difficult.”
Throughout his journey as a carer Marcus had to learn about dementia. He learnt that there’s a spectrum that results in a variety of different personalities. He grew to understand that there’s no ill-will when Audrey asks him to repeat himself, when she asks him about his daughter for the third or fourth time. He explained that answering her questions helps to settle her.
“They’re aware that changes are happening, and if you go with it, it can ease them.”
Today, his mother has a happy-go-lucky attitude. Just the other day they were in hospital for treatment and Audrey was being wheeled around by some young male nurses. She commented, “Look at all these young men taking me back home.”
Marcus responded in kind, “Mum, what are you doing?”
To which she replied, leaning in, pointing, and saying, “Can you get him for me?”
Marcus said that Audrey has, “Been a great mother, and been a great friend.” It’s from a place of friendship that he is happy he made the decision to make Bethanie Beachside Aged Care Home, Audrey’s home.
