When Diagnosed with Dementia
Accepting the news
When the news is broken to you, you may experience a wide range of conflicting emotions. These emotions can range from fear, loneliness, denial, anger, loss, frustration and depression. But you can do some things to help manage the disease so you and your family will benefit:
- Make sure to get adequate rest, eat healthily and exercise because taking care of your physical health can help with your mental health.
- Find a professional whose specialty is dementia and its issues and schedule regular medical checkups. If you’re suffering from depression, find a professional who has experience in this area.
- Don’t make changes in your regimen and take your medication on schedule. If you feel changes should be made, don’t do it without medical advice.
- Don’t use alcohol to cope, it could interact with your medications, cause language or medical problems or cause additional health issues.
- Join a dementia support group where you can learn about the disease and connect with other people who are suffering from the illness.
- If you are still going to work, ask about other work options if there is early retirement or any other resources.
- Don't shut yourself off. Share your feelings with family and friends and keep the lines of communication open. If you need help with something, don't hesitate to ask for it.
- Start putting your belongings in the same places and organize your drawers. Putting labels on cupboard doors and drawers will make it easier to find things as time goes on.
- As long as you can participate in your hobbies and activities, do it. As the condition worsens, modify your activities to adjust to the changing levels of functioning. For example, if you crochet and find the patterns too complicated now, go to an easier pattern and an easier stitch.
- When you are feeling most functional, then perform tasks which are complicated. If it’s too much at one time, then break it down into sections.
Legal and financial matters
One way to have control over your situation is to make a decision now about who will be your healthcare advocate and your financial power of attorney. This gives you a say on what your desires are when you are no longer able to state them. You may also want to complete a living will form, so you have a choice in what healthcare decisions are made. Finances are something else to think about. You may want to research the cost of an in-home caregiver when the time comes. Also, what options there are in memory care facilities when you reach that point. By doing this now, it will help to make clear what is financially feasible and what isn’t.Sharing the news with family members
Sharing the news with family members can be difficult. Most people find that having a family meeting is the best solution, so everyone is on the same page. A conversation about dementia and how it progresses, what treatments are offered and what to expect are relevant topics to discuss.
When tasks start to become difficult, or you need assistance with daily chores and personal care, we here at Right at Home Smithtown can help. We have in-home caregivers who can help with daily activities of living, from light housekeeping, to personal hygiene, to preparing meals. With our help, you can stay in your home and be independent longer.
