Pro Tip: To learn more about dementia care, read our guide to caring for a parent with dementia.
8 Things to Do Following a Dementia Diagnosis
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August 10, 2022
When you or a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s difficult not to panic. While these conditions affect everyone differently, neither has a cure, and they both only worsen with time. That said, people can live for many years with dementia, making it essential to create a plan.
Pro Tip: To learn more about dementia care, read our guide to caring for a parent with dementia.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of cognitive conditions. This includes Alzheimer’s, which accounts for up to 80% of cases. Common symptoms of dementia include a major decline in short-term memory, as well as lethargy and confusion.
Symptoms vary widely and are often progressive, so it is essential to research and adapt to your loved one’s changing needs. To learn more about dementia, check out the following resources:
While there is no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s, there are several treatments that slow or manage symptoms. Many of these come in the form of medications that fight memory loss. These include Aduhelm, Namenda, and Exelon. Costs and effects vary, and patients should consult a physician to make the correct decision.
Caring for a person with dementia can be a full-time job; however, unless you’re prepared to devote all of your time to this pursuit, you’ll need to create a plan. Consider the immediate resources at your disposal.
For example, if you plan to care for your parent, sit down with your siblings and create a schedule of care and check-ins. You might also consider hiring part-time help from a home care agency or bringing your parent to adult day care part-time.
Did You Know: To learn more about our favorite home care agencies, read our Visiting Angels review and Comfort Keepers review.
Dementia symptoms bring many dangers. Confusion and discomfort can lead to sundowning (becoming tired or agitated in the late afternoon), wandering off, leaving appliances on, and even falls. Measures like keeping walkways and rooms well-lit, extra keys and locks, and keeping safety devices in working order can make your home safer for patients.
Additionally, you might consider purchasing a medical alert with GPS.
The best way to fight dementia is to keep your loved one’s brain active as often as possible. Uncomfortable symptoms often lead patients to self-isolate and become inactive. There are many daily activities that can help your loved one stay active and cognizant, depending on their needs.
Some options to consider:
Depending on your loved one’s stage of dementia, even these tasks could prove difficult for them. It’s important, however, to not get frustrated with them. Remember, the goal is not to walk a mile or create a beautiful work of art; rather, it’s to get your loved one engaged in activity.
Many dementia patients and their loved ones are not prepared for the financial and legal consequences of a diagnosis. As a patient loses their ability to function cognitively and physically, important documents such as wills, estates, and medical directives need to be in order.
In many cases, it’s helpful to designate a legal power of attorney. This way, a person can cede legal and or financial responsibilities to a capable loved one when their condition worsens.
Because of the progressive nature of symptoms and the financial and emotional stresses of caring for a loved one with dementia, it’s important to consider residential care options. Memory care is a type of care, similar to assisted living, that specializes in helping residents with cognitive conditions like dementia.
Even if your loved one does not currently need the level of care provided in these communities, it’s best to start exploring your options. Ideally, you’ll find one or two nearby options that will work if and when your loved one needs this care. This will prevent you from making a hasty decision if an emergency happens.
Caring for a loved one with dementia is complex and challenging. Treatment and care can be expensive, and these financial issues can be compounded by the mental and emotional stress of dealing with a loved one’s symptoms.
It is essential to remember that you are not alone. Many thousands of people care for family members with dementia, and in most areas, you can find support groups. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a directory of caregiver support groups where you can meet with those who are working through similar issues.
If you notice yourself experiencing signs of caregiver burnout, it might even be time to consider respite care. The goal of this type of care is to provide you a break so that you can continue providing quality care for your loved one.
