So, your loved one has been diagnosed with Dementia. What next?

Being diagnosed with dementia can be an anxious and emotional time for the individual and their loved ones.

It is important to acknowledge that whilst this is a worrying and upsetting time, the person diagnosed will likely experience a rollercoaster of emotions. Their diagnosis may come as some relief if they have been experiencing changes they have been unable to explain.

What is important is that a plan is put in place for the future, if possible, depending on the stage of the dementia, with your loved one so that you can try best to honour their wants and wishes.

What to consider next when your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia:

Emotional Support
Learning about a dementia diagnosis and seeking appropriate support can make the difference in moving forward.  It is important to talk about any fears your loved one has and answer their questions. Dementia Australia provides support to those diagnosed and their loved ones at all stages of the illness.

Caring for someone with dementia
As dementia gets more severe, the level of assistance a person may require in tasks of daily living will increase.

There are options, which include:

  • In home care.  With the help of home care providers, your loved one can stay in their own home and a professional can come in on a daily basis to help with self care such as grooming, cooking and household tasks. There are home care providers, such as Envigor Home Care, who specialises in dementia care and aim to assist your loved one in living an independent, happy and fulfilling life in their comfort of their own home.
  • Aged care home – aged care homes are suited to those who require round the clock care and assistance.

Legal decisions
An important thing to consider is that at some point a person with dementia is going to lose the ability to make legal and financial decisions that are in their best interests.

It is sensible for all parties to put a formal plan in place for when this time comes and that your loved one is involved in this decision-making process. This will include things such as making sure their will is up to date, and assigning an enduring power of attorney to make decisions on their behalf when they are unable to.

If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, we understand it is a worrying time.

These are some of the first things to consider when your loved one is diagnosed with dementia. It is important to include them in the decision-making process as much as possible so that they don’t feel like they are losing any more of their independence or decision-making abilities.

Contact us today to find out how we can support you and your loved one through this time and discuss a personalised care solution.

References:
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/getting-started/health-conditions/dementia
https://www.alz.org/i-have-alz/just-diagnosed.asp
https://www.dementia.org.au/support-and-services/i-have-dementia/first-steps-after-diagnosis

 

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