Take It From Us with Kent Johns
Take It From Us is the voice of lived experience. In this podcast, you'll hear real people share honest stories about mental health, addiction, trauma and recovery - straight from their own journeys.
They'll tell you what actually worked, what didn't, and what they wish they'd known sooner.
Host Kent Johns is a former broadcaster-turned-health-coach who believes everyone has a story to tell if people take the time to really listen.
So settle in, you're going to hear some stories. Take it from us - and from them.
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If you need support, click here for helpful links, phone numbers and resources:
https://ember.org.nz/resources/in-a-crisis/
Take It From Us with Kent Johns
Who cares for the carers? A story of duty, love and Alzheimer's
When Fiona Parrant's sister Charlene was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Fiona moved from Levin to Napier to help care for her - and for Charlene's husband, Alister, who had early onset Alzheimer's at just 60. After Charlene died, Fiona stayed in Napier to continue caring for Alister and help support his two sons.
New Zealand's dementia care system is broken. Despite being our biggest looming health crisis, dementia isn't even in the National Health Plan. Getting a diagnosis takes over two years, early onset cases fall through funding cracks, and Alister had to be falsely classified with mental illness just to access speech therapy. Fiona says families battle a system where "nobody wants responsibility."
But Fiona refuses to give up hope. Her philosophy is simple: if you can't have option A in life, you "kick the ass out of option B." She dreams of something better - small, supportive homes where people with dementia can live well right to the end, with dignity.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us a text here!
If you need support, here are helpful links, phone numbers and resources: https://ember.org.nz/resources/in-a-crisis/
