BBCKath and John Griffiths have been married for 63 years, and for the past decade, she has also been his carer, after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2015.
There are challenges and difficulties, Kath says, good days and bad, but says a weekly art class the couple both attend has a calming effect on her husband.
“It’s very relaxing, drawing. You can get your feelings out,” John says, agreeing.
Run by Dementia Friendly Wrexham, the class is for those living with the disease and their partners, carers, or other family members and friends.
For Kath, it’s also a place where she can relax, chat and seek support from others going through the same things she is, while John, a former engineer, is absorbed in his art works.
She said it was part of the week they can “both look forward to”, adding that they have “surprised themselves” with what they have achieved.
“Margaret [the teacher] has this way, she can get anyone to do things. We’re so proud of the things we’ve produced,” Kath added.
Work created by Kath and John as well as some of the other 33 members of the class are currently on display at an exhibition at the National Trust property, Chirk Castle, which runs until the middle of August.
Dementia champion Frank Hemmings, who has been involved with the art class from the beginning, said it gives them a sense of “pride” to see their work on display.
But he said the real benefit is in the quiet time they spend in the class.
“It’s good therapy. For those two hours, that person living with dementia is calm and enjoying themselves and really engrossed in their art, and their carer… they’re given that period of time with peace, amongst like minded people,” he said.
“They can talk, ask for advice and share issues and problems.”
He added that some of the art work created is a “really high standard”, but said it can sometimes be sad.
“We see some fabulous art by some… and 10 minutes after they’ve done it, they don’t realise they’ve done it, I’ve had that conversation on a lot of occasions,” he said.
The way people with dementia draw and paint can also change over time, he added.
Jan Keen, from Llangollen, Denbighshire, said her husband Terry, 80, started off in the class four years ago painting things that were recognisable, but now draws in an abstract way.
“He just enjoys the drawing and he’s just evolved over the years,” she said.
“He’s not seeing things in the same way, but still getting something out of it. He’s meeting people and getting his ideas down on paper.
“I just think it’s an excellent way of expressing himself.”
The class teacher Margaret Roberts has taught watercolour painting for 30 years and says the dementia friendly group is “full of love”.
“Some say it’s the highlight of their week… the joy of painting and drawing together and just having a nice time doing it,” she said.
“There’s banter between the couples… it’s just fun.”
