Ruby’s Choice tackles the complexities of dementia

Dementia is a major health issue and unfortunately is the second leading cause of death in Australia. It’s honourable that filmmakers are producing films which spread awareness of the mental impairment and the challenges that front families of those affected.

Ruby’s Choice is the latest of several Australian films in recent years that has tackled this topic, detailing the progress of the disease, the pressures it unleashes upon the family unit and the insufficient aid that is offered from home care services.

British-American actress Jane Seymour OBE portrays Ruby, a loving grandmother whose dementia is progressing rapidly. After accidently setting her house on fire she moves in with her daughter’s (Jacqueline Mckenzie) family. Other family members experiencing problems arrive and reside in their home, money issues and lack of support from home care only adding to the family’s hardships.

This film exemplifies what thousands of people experience daily and ultimately asks, is it cruel to send a loved one suffering from dementia to permanently reside in a nursing home? Should the choice be left up to the family or the person suffering from dementia?

Ruby’s Choice is not a full on ‘doom and gloom’ tear-jerker. It’s funny at times, poignant and may be an emotional experience for those who have experienced what transpires on the screen. But most importantly it’s educational notably for those who have little knowledge about the medical condition, as the film resonates that dementia does not necessarily have to tarnish the family unit. With love, patience, understanding and all the right choices a sufferer of dementia can live a better-quality life and may also tighten the family bond.

***1/2

50% of profits from this film will be donated by the Glenn Foundation to Dementia Research