What happens now?
The words, “Your loved one (LO) has been diagnosed with Dementia,” can bring you to your knees. So many families walk out of the doctor’s office confused, frustrated, upset, and lost. One of the biggest hurdles they face is going home with a diagnosis without strategies to walk the journey.
This is an overwhelming journey, and it moves quickly. There is no way to prepare for this diagnosis until after you hear the words. I wanted to give you a head start to have a successful journey. You will find a few tips below:
Establish care with a team of doctors. Of course, you want to make sure your loved one continues to see their primary care physician and neurologist. Depending on the type of Dementia, you also want to establish care with a gerontologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech-language pathologist.
Make sure your LO’s affairs are in order. Set up an appointment with an Elder Attorney to assist you with legal matters. You also want to make sure that you file to become a Guardian and Conservator of your LO’s estate. This step is critical because once your LOs won’t be able to make rational decisions concerning their health, finances, care, and safety.
Establish routines. Routines help your LOs create consistent daily habits.
Have a family meeting. It’s important to discuss this new normal. This is the time to discuss your feelings, roles, and the impact the disease will make on the family’s day-to-day life.
Join a support group. Support groups allow you to be in a community with other people that understand this disease. They can encourage you, assist you, love you, and walk with you on the journey.
Research and learn all you can. This disease will take you through a myriad of emotions. You have to invest in classes, research, and ask questions. That’s the only way to know what’s happening to your LO.
Think about care. This may seem like an option in the future, but planning will save you when it’s time for respite, flex-care, memory care, hospice, or an in-home nurse. There are so many options, and you want to choose what’s best for your family.
Accept the diagnosis. This is NOT the end of your LO’s life. How you enjoy life from the initial diagnosis until the time of death is up to you. Always choose joy-even when it’s hard!
Ty Lewis, CEO
www.incaseiforgetconsulting.com