Teesside nurse writes children’s book on dementia

Julia Taylor, a 53-year-old NHS nurse based in Teesside who works for Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust (TEWV), has dedicated her career to improving dementia care.

She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 33 and now faces the progressive loss of her speech.

Julia Taylor when she graduated as a nurse (Image: Supplied)

Ms Taylor has poured decades of experience and personal compassion into Nana Mackie’s Magical Memories: A Dementia Adventure, a children’s book designed to help young people understand dementia.

She said: "I've met a lot of children playing outside care homes during family visits, because they are scared or worried about dementia.

"It’s such a shame.

"Older people brighten up when children visit, and children benefit too.

Julia Taylor when she received a commendation for bravery (Image: Supplied)

"I hope my book helps people understand the condition better and become less frightened of it."

Originally from Northumberland, Ms Taylor began working with older people at 17 as a care assistant.

One early experience cemented her calling.

She said: "On my fourth week I was unexpectedly told it was my turn to cook Sunday lunch and, in a bit of a panic, ended up asking one of the residents for help.

"We had a great time, and cooking together became our routine.

"That moment sparked a passion for caring that has shaped the rest of my life."

After seven years as a carer, she trained as a nurse at 24, initially supporting people with eating disorders.

However, she soon returned to work with older people and later joined a specialist dementia team.

Julia Taylor and her book (Image: Supplied)

She helped develop a model for understanding challenging behaviour.

Ms Taylor said: "A lot of people on my dad's side of the family had dementia, so I grew up around it.

"I think I was ten when I decided I wanted to be a mental health nurse.

"It's a vocation.

"I absolutely love what I do."

Her career has taken her across the North East and Yorkshire, including roles in forensics and as an Admiral Nurse.

She joined TEWV’s older people’s mental health team in Hartlepool in 2016 and moved to Middlesbrough in 2018, where she has focused on dementia training.

A diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia, a painful condition that later required brain surgery, compounded her health problems.

She said: "Doctors used Teflon in my skull.

"I had 24 stitches and was left deaf in my right ear.

"But I always look for the positives.

"I'm determined. I plough on through."

With her speech deteriorating, Ms Taylor finds it increasingly difficult to deliver training or mentor student nurses.

She hopes the book will help continue her message.

She said: "Helping people is how I manage my own mental health.

"If my speech fades, I hope this book keeps those conversations going.

"I love my job, I never want to leave, but I know in my heart that I'll have done my best to help others if I have to step down, and part of that has been writing this book."

Nana Mackie’s Magical Memories: A Dementia Adventure is available in e-book and paperback formats from major online retailers.