If your loved one has just been diagnosed with dementia, you may have seen it coming for a while and had time to research what’s next. Some people, however, have no idea of their friend or family member’s memory loss, and a diagnosis like Alzheimer’s disease can come as a shock. Looking into the next steps is important to understand how you can help. Here are some ideas of what is to come after a dementia diagnosis:
Talking About Dementia
Dementia doesn’t only affect the person who has been diagnosed with the condition. Everyone must understand what can be challenging to wrap your head around. The person you care about will need help and support for the rest of their life. To do that while staying in good mental health yourself, consider seeking therapy. Talking about the diagnosis with a professional can help you understand exactly what is going on and learn some of what to expect from the person as their memory loss advances.
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Seniors who have just received this diagnosis may also benefit from talking to someone about their condition. Depending on the severity of their current memory loss, speaking with a psychologist may help the person understand what is happening and better understand why it’s necessary to move to memory care or seek help for personal care.
Help your loved one with dementia get their affairs in order.
Getting Future Decisions in Place
Dementia cannot be reversed. Once you learn a loved one has this condition, it’s essential to help them handle important affairs. If the person is mentally capable of making reasonable decisions, work together to help them establish power of attorney and give necessary people access to bank accounts, stocks, loans, and other financial information. Also, work with an elder attorney to create a will that provides instructions on what to do with the senior’s estate. If your friend or family member is not mentally sound enough to complete these important tasks, you must work with their doctor to prove this fact, and then you can take over planning without the help of the senior. Getting these tasks taken care of sooner rather than later is important to avoid miscommunication and confusion.
Moving to Memory Care
Seniors who have dementia require special care that they likely won’t have access to in their own homes. Consider transitioning the person with dementia into an assisted living memory care community. These senior living communities offer amenities that foster safety and well-being for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. They are encouraged to attend activities with their neighbors, and you will have peace of mind knowing your loved one is being properly cared for in an environment much safer than their own homes.
