‘My mother with Alzheimers has lost the one thing that brings back old memories’

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Dear Katie,

My mother lives on her own and is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s. As her only son, I am caring for her and have lasting power of attorney.

While she has lost her short-term ability to recall, certain strong memories such as her dogs and parents have remained ever-present recollections.

One of the things that has stayed alive in her mind is an antique 1.1ct diamond ring which she always treasured.

She bought it 25 years ago with a small inheritance after her parents died. It was her pride and joy, and it brought her a lot of pleasure. But in recent months the ring has caused a great deal of stress, as she has lost it.

I have found her on many occasions rummaging anxiously through her belongings, looking for it. However, the ring has not turned up.

On dealing with the renewal of her buildings and contents insurance, I noticed that this diamond ring was listed as a “specified item”, so I decided to contact the insurer, Admiral, to claim for the loss. It appointed a jewellery assessor to deal with the valuation.

It hadn’t been valued for years, but based on very old estimates, it was very clearly worth more than the policy limit of £2,000.