In this new TVNZ reality show, a group of eight volunteers all with dementia under the guidance of top chef Ben Bayley must work together to ensure the grand opening of their restaurant is a success.
Mark
Mark worked as a graphic designer, running his own business before being diagnosed with lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease at 61.
Despite the Parkinson’s induced tremors, Mark found his niche in the kitchen creating entrees. While on the series, he also formed a special bond with fellow volunteer Marilyn.
“The most important thing was the relationships we developed with the other members of the cast,” he shares.
Suz
Suz was married to her husband David for just two years and working as an executive assistant for the Auckland Council when she received her diagnosis of young onset Alzheimer’s at age 58.
She struggles to find her place in the restaurant, but says, “I think I came out of my own shell, which I didn’t know was there, actually!
“One of the main things for me was somebody to actually say, ‘We can do this, I can help with this.’ Someone else can help me.”
Dawn
Dawn worked as a senior counsellor, specialising in cases of family violence before being diagnosed with young onset Alzheimer’s at age 55.
During the series, she sparked a friendship with fellow volunteer Graeme and gained back some confidence she lost since her diagnosis.
“I needed something to break the cycle of how I was thinking and feeling. And that’s what this place has done. I really do feel that when this finishes, I’ll be more at ease with my condition.”
Cliff
Cliff enjoyed a high-flying career in senior management, retiring at 63 when he realised he was no longer operating at the top of his game and was diagnosed with vascular dementia. Stepping into the role of restaurant maitre d, he says, “I’ve achieved something that I thought was no longer going to be part of me. I was always in the habit of saying, ‘Oh, well, in my past life I used to be such and such… I don’t do that any more.”
Charmaine
Charmaine is a trailblazing activist, former principal and recipient of the NZ Order of Merit for Services to Education.
Over the years, she has championed many issues, but after receiving her diagnosis of vascular dementia, raising awareness of the disease has become her latest great cause.
Running the front of the restaurant, Charmaine says, “It’s good for people to see that for those with dementia, it doesn’t mean they’ve gone totally mad and are no use any more. It just means they need to find appropriate ways of contributing.”
Bevin
Bevin had a long career as a business coach and strategist, and worked internationally with many charities. He now lives with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, but that hasn’t dulled his sense of humour.
He found his place on the restaurant floor, entertaining guests with his banter and is a customer favourite with quips such as, “I’m Bevin from heaven.”
He’s now more willing “to admit that I have some dementia. I can admit it and not feel that it’s necessarily a word that downgrades me”.
Graeme
Prior to his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Graeme was a market research consultant. Despite the difficulties battling the disease, Graeme keeps busy by playing sport, singing and doing puzzles.
He says, “I can still more or less function the way that I used to. I might make a little mistake now and again. But if I do forget something, I’ll admit it and move on. Don’t sweat about it.”
During his time in the kitchen, Graeme struck up a friendship with Dawn, working together to create some divine dishes.
Marilyn
Marilyn was a senior research fellow at University of Auckland, giving up work when she was diagnosed with vascular dementia.
Over the four weeks, Marilyn, who is of Te Rarawa, Te Aupīuri and Ngāti Kahu descent, gained much of her lost confidence back. She says, “It’s just brought me back to myself so that I can focus on things that I really love doing and not feel like there’s something wrong with me. Now I’m kind of excited about just carrying on with my cooking and being able to, I guess, look after myself.”
The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes screens on Sundays at 8.30pm on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+.
