Granddaughter chronicles Nana's battle with dementia and her first swim at 88

Ann Dorothy Miller, known as Nansie, emigrated to Australia after World War II, married young and raised a large family, but never learned to swim. In her later years she developed vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s, prompting a move from her home to a nursing home close to family. Her son assumed power of attorney while relatives helped with daily tasks, including caring for her pet dog.

Over eight years the author and her sister Lulu witnessed fluctuating clarity, hallucinations, and loss of basic functions, yet also cherished moments of singing, dancing, and humor. Determined to give her a final adventure, they trained lightly and took her to a local heated pool, where the 88-year-old floated and laughed for the first time. The piece reflects on the shifting caregiver role and the bittersweet acceptance of dementia’s relentless progression.