Following a Dementia Diagnosis

Hearing a diagnosis of dementia can seem overwhelming. Thoughts of being out of control can flood your mind. But before you become completely caught up in fear, remember that

• You are still you! You may have difficulty with memory, but that is because of your illness. It is not who you are.
• Dementia is experienced differently by different people. The symptoms of dementia are not the same for everyone and symptoms appear and progress at different rates.
• Your life still has value and you have a future.

Many people still live well with dementia. It is likely that you will still be able to live as you have for some time. You will know if and when you need assistance. Be honest with yourself and let someone know you need help before things in your life become difficult. Having assistance from a loved one or a care worker can make your life much easier, and provide support for you as changes occur.

Here are some things that have been shown to help delay the progression of dementia and keep you living well:

Take Care of Your Health

• Eat a healthy diet – Be sure that the foods you eat give you the nutrients that you need for your body to function optimally. A basic healthy diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. It Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts and limits saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.
• Drink plenty of fluids. According to the Mayo Clinic, we should each consume 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day if you are a woman and about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day if you are a man.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise can be anything that includes physical movement. Walking, gardening, bowling, swimming….whatever activity you enjoy. It can even be housework. The Department of Health recommends 150 minutes of moderately strenuous physical activity per week. This equates to 30 minutes of activity per day, for at least five days a week.
• See your primary care provider as he recommends and any time that you feel unwell. Ask him/her about any vaccinations they would recommend.
• Take your medication as prescribed. Many pharmacies now offer a packaging service, distributing your medicine into packets of the pills you take at different times of the day. Morning meds are all in one easy packet and evening meds in another. Ask your pharmacist if you are interested.
• Get enough sleep. Try to avoid naps during the day and caffeine and alcohol at night.
• Have regular dental, eyesight and hearing check-ups.

Social Activity

Staying in contact with people and engaging in activities with others, will help both your physical and mental wellbeing. Having dementia does not mean you have to change your hobbies and it may actually be a good time to begin doing something you have always wanted to do. Begin a yoga class, join a choral group, take up painting. There are community centers in most areas that offer classes and workshops for seniors and many are “dementia friendly”. There are also groups developed especially for those with dementia. Local dementia support groups often meet in cafes or community centers and offer a social environment where you can share experiences and tips and just good conversation with others who are dealing with similar issues.

The Alzheimer’s Association website offers a search engine that will help you find local support. Click here to search.

Coping with Dementia

Dealing with reduced memory speed can be distressing.

Here are some tips that can help:

• Develop a regular routine. Make a plan of what you want to accomplish each day and write it down. Put it someplace that it will be visible and easy to access, like on the refrigerator or on the wall in a highly traveled area. Plan activities to occur at the time of day when you feel best.
• Create a station near your exit door where you will place items for when you go out. Keys, identification, and umbrella in a readily accessible location will make preparation to leave your home much easier.
• Place a list of helpful phone numbers in a visible location. Program important numbers into your phone, including your emergency contacts.
• Place daily medication in an easily accessible location.
• Consider putting your regular bills on direct debit.
• Place paper and pen where you can reach it easily. Jot down each time you forget something or have difficulty managing on your own. This list can be a guide for you to address ways to manage these situations. Labels on doors or items that you use regularly can be very helpful as a little reminder of easily forgotten information.

Ask for Help and Support

As dementia progresses, you will likely need some help with day to day activities, like meal preparation and home care. Tell your care giver and support system about your needs before it becomes stressful or difficult.

The Alzheimer's Association is a great resource for information and guidance to support services available in your community. They have a 24/7 Helpline at 800.272. 3900 and their website is at www.alz.org. The US Department of Health and Human Services also has a helpful website. Their information on dementia can be found at https://www.alzheimers.gov/.

Finding a Professional Caregiver

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with dementia, finding a professional caregiver is a great step towards a positive wellness plan. A professional caregiver can help create and initiate a plan, reducing the stress and fear involved in dementia management. You can find a professional caregiver through our website, https://www.rightathome.net/ whether you need someone full-time, or for just a few hours a week. Right at Home will work with you to select the perfect, qualified, professional caregiver to make sure that your loved one’s needs are met. Each caregiver is screened and bonded to ensure professionalism. Our unique five-step process will provide just the right fit for your family. Contact us today at 631.352.0022 and ask for a FREE in-home consultation.