
When Time Aligns
Stories of Care From a Dementia Companion
Gina Awad(Author)
Robinson (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 15. October 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
128 pages
978-1-4087-8335-1 (ISBN)
Description
A moving and beautifully illustrated collection of stories surrounding the complexities of navigating dementia, all told through the eyes of a community dementia companion.
When Time Aligns follows Sienna, a dementia companion who works with individuals, families and organisations to deliver advice, advocacy, better understanding and compassionate support.
Each story is based on real experiences and is brought to life with heartwarming and often heartbreaking illustrations. The stories reflect on: the move from home care to care home; finding support services and help with practicalities; the effect of young onset dementia; when culture and distance impact on care; and forward planning that honours your wishes.
The book also focuses on the benefits of being better informed and communicating clearly within families, business and in the community.
This collection will be relatable and supportive for anyone touched by dementia in their lives, and provides insight and information for anyone wanting to know more.
When Time Aligns follows Sienna, a dementia companion who works with individuals, families and organisations to deliver advice, advocacy, better understanding and compassionate support.
Each story is based on real experiences and is brought to life with heartwarming and often heartbreaking illustrations. The stories reflect on: the move from home care to care home; finding support services and help with practicalities; the effect of young onset dementia; when culture and distance impact on care; and forward planning that honours your wishes.
The book also focuses on the benefits of being better informed and communicating clearly within families, business and in the community.
This collection will be relatable and supportive for anyone touched by dementia in their lives, and provides insight and information for anyone wanting to know more.
Reviews / Votes
When Time Aligns is a quietly remarkable book; one that will resonate with anyone living with dementia, as well as care partners, family members and friends who walk alongside them. Told through stories rather than instruction, it delivers practical wisdom, gentle affirmations and real insight in the most unassuming way: you find yourself learning almost without noticing. That subtlety is its real strength. Rather than feeling like a manual or a guide, it reads with warmth and ease, making it accessible even in the most tiring and emotionally demanding of circumstances. And because its lessons are woven into narrative rather than stated outright, it rewards returning to, each read revealing something new, something you may not have been ready to receive the first time around -- Dr Jane Murray, assistant professor, of mental health, University of Northumbria 'I feel very privileged to have read this book, because I was drawn into every story and every word. I personally believe that there is no better way to learn and understand about dementia than to hear the lived experience of those who are going through it. The fantastic illustrations bring it to life by allowing me to visualise every story. It is a rollercoaster of emotions, feeling the joy of some and feeling the sorrow and loss of others. But what this book gave me, and I'm sure it will all its readers, is a sense of hope, a belief that no matter how bad things are, there are always people out there willing to offer help and understanding. Dementia is not the end of your life; it is the beginning of your new one' -- Tommy Dunne BEM, living with Alzheimer's Reading this lovely book was both absorbing and deeply thought-provoking, particularly as someone personally affected by the daily realities of caring for my wife, who lives with the rare form of dementia known as posterior cortical atrophy (PCA)... One of my only disappointments was reaching the end too soon, I found myself wanting more stories and further reflections, which is perhaps the strongest compliment I can offer. This is a beautifully crafted and important piece of work. The combination of thoughtful narrative and evocative illustrations makes it both engaging and impactful, while also serving as a valuable contribution towards improving awareness, understanding and compassion around the realities of dementia -- Bob MuskMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Little, Brown Book Group
Illustrations
c.80 b/w cartoons
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 126 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-4087-8335-1 (9781408783351)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
approx. 10/2026
Robinson
€6.49
Not yet available
Persons
Gina Awad is a recipient of a British Empire Medal for her voluntary services to people with dementia in Devon. This accolade adds to many other awards received locally, regionally and nationally. Gina founded the Exeter Dementia Action Alliance, which empowers and inspires organisations to raise awareness and deliver dementia-accessible services. She is a carer representative for the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Gina is a qualified person-centred counsellor and has a BSc in health and social care. She hosts a quarterly radio show on Phonic 106.8 FM, 'Living Better with Dementia,' enabling people affected by dementia to share their personal stories. Gina's book United: Caring for our loved ones living with dementia was selected to be part of the Reading Well for Dementia recommended reading list.
Mark Hannon is an award-winning artist, illustrator and graphic designer. He has worked across all media and subject matter ranging from broadcast TV, political cartoons, animation, children's and educational books and latterly, fine art. His father-in-law was diagnosed with dementia five years ago and so the impact of this disease personally resonates. Website: www.markhannon.co.uk
Mark Hannon is an award-winning artist, illustrator and graphic designer. He has worked across all media and subject matter ranging from broadcast TV, political cartoons, animation, children's and educational books and latterly, fine art. His father-in-law was diagnosed with dementia five years ago and so the impact of this disease personally resonates. Website: www.markhannon.co.uk