Receiving a dementia diagnosis for one of your loved ones can feel like your entire world has just been flipped upside down. Any new medical diagnosis of yourself or someone close to you can do this. It’s completely normal to feel an overwhelming flood of emotions. The uncertainty of what the diagnosis means for you and your loved one, as well as what to do next, is expected.
The first thing to remember, which is often helpful when facing hardships, is to know that you aren’t alone. Many other families are navigating something similar to yours, and there are an abundance of amazing resources out there to help you on this challenging journey.
Here’s a guide on 9 ways you can cope with a dementia diagnosis of your loved one:
1. Allow Yourself to Feel
It’s normal to experience an amalgamation of emotions when your loved one is diagnosed with dementia. These can be fear, sadness, guilt, anger, and confusion — all of these are natural reactions. It’s important to allow yourself the space to feel without judgment. Remember that there’s no right or wrong way to process such news — what matters is that you acknowledge your feelings and seek support when needed.
2. Educate Yourself About Dementia
The more you understand about dementia, the less frightening it may feel. There are various types of dementia, each with its own set of symptoms and progression. Learning about your loved one’s diagnosis can help reduce a sense of uncertainty and better prepare you for what to expect ahead.
Oasis Senior Advisors in Austin and Central Texas can assist you by recommending and guiding you to local resources and organizations where you can access valuable information on dementia and caregiving.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Caring for someone with dementia can be physically and emotionally exhausting. If you’re a primary caregiver for your loved one, remember that it’s okay to ask for help from family, friends, or even seek a professional caregiver to help lighten your load. Consider enlisting the help of an in-home care provider or exploring memory care facilities in the Central Texas region that specialize in dementia, which Oasis Senior Advisors can help with! Reaching out for assistance not only ensures your loved one’s well-being but also gives you the space to take care of your own well-being. Self-care is important, and that can be easy to forget when we are spending so much of our time focusing on the needs of others.
4. Create a Safe and Comfortable Environment
As dementia progresses, your loved one may experience memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with everyday tasks. Simple changes to the home environment can help reduce safety risks and make them feel like their living environment is safer.
For example:
- Remove tripping hazards like rugs or cluttered items on the ground.
- Install grab bars in the bathroom so they can get off the toilet or in and out of the shower/bath easier.
- Use large and easy-to-read labels to help them navigate their home and find things with ease.
If you’re unsure where to start, we can help you assess your loved ones’ needs and offer suggestions for home modifications or care options.
5. Plan for the Future
While it’s difficult to think about the future, it’s important to begin making decisions now. This includes discussing legal and financial matters such as powers of attorney, advance directives, and insurance coverage. Having these conversations early on can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved one as the disease progresses.
6. Join a Support Group
Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can provide immense comfort and good advice. There are many support groups specifically for caregivers of those with dementia. Sharing your struggles and hearing others’ stories can reduce feelings of isolation and help you learn new coping strategies. The Alzheimer’s Association is one organization that offers local support groups.
7. Practice Patience and Positive Communication
Dementia can affect a person’s ability to communicate and remember, so patience is essential. Try to speak slowly, use simple words, and give your loved one plenty of time to respond. Don’t get angry if they are forgetful or take time to respond. Being kind, reassuring, and patient may be challenging at times, so try to remind yourself to be patient and positive in those difficult moments.
8. Focus on Quality of Life
Although the changes brought on by dementia can be hard, try to focus on ways to maintain your loved one’s quality of life. Help them stay engaged in activities they enjoy, whether it’s looking through old family photos, listening to their favorite music, or going for a walk. Fostering meaningful connections and moments of happiness can help reduce feelings of isolation and enhance one’s emotional well-being.
9. Seek Professional Guidance
Consulting with medical professionals who specialize in dementia can help you create a care plan that addresses your loved one’s specific needs. Neurologists and memory care specialists can offer valuable advice on medications, therapies, and other interventions.
At Oasis Senior Advisors of Austin and Central Texas, we understand the challenges that come with a diagnosis of dementia. Our team is here to help you find personalized care options, whether that’s in-home care, adult day care services, or memory care facilities. We can guide you through the available resources in the Austin area, helping you make informed decisions every step of the way.
Caring for someone with dementia is undoubtedly difficult, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to us today and let us help you navigate this journey with compassion, clarity, and support.
If you need guidance or have questions about dementia care in Central Texas, Oasis Senior Advisors is here to support you. Contact us for a free consultation today!
Written for Oasis Senior Advisors Austin and Central Texas by Lauren Hope Bartling
