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Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: How to Navigate a Diagnosis

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia is a life-altering event. Suddenly, many things have to change – not the least of which is your future plans. As you and your loved ones are dealing with the emotional aspects of a diagnosis, you also need to navigate the process of getting accurate information and helpful support, understanding what to expect and putting together plans for what will happen as the disease progresses.

Trish McKay, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull, a memory care assisted living community in Trumbull, CT, urges family members to not rush into any decisions. “It’s important to accurately balance action and reaction once Alzheimer’s disease has been diagnosed,” she says. Many family members want to jump into decisions and plans with both feet, which is great – but also can end up steamrolling the individual with dementia if not handled carefully.

“One thing that well-meaning family members can overlook is that a diagnosis does not mean that the individual can no longer take care of themselves or make decisions,” says Trish. “Most of the time, the person who’s been diagnosed can still be highly functioning and can make their own decisions about the future and what needs to happen.”

Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is just the first step in a long journey that will require decisions, information and assistance throughout the entire process. Trish suggests a five-step process for helping navigate the situation and finding a healthy way to move forward.

“There are decisions that will need to be made right away and decisions that can be made further down the road,” she says. “While early preparation and decision-making is incredibly beneficial because it allows the person with dementia to express their wishes and make plans, be sure to take the time to gather the information you need in order to make a thoughtful decision.”

Step #1: Get informed.

The very first step following diagnosis is to get as much information about the disease as possible. There has been a big push over the past several years towards raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. However, there are still a lot of misconceptions surrounding these forms of disease, which can cause issues for both the person with Alzheimer’s and those around them.

Trish suggests finding a medical professional who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease and connecting with national organizations for education and support. “Alzheimer’s is not an uncommon disease, and there are many people in the same situation as you,” she says. “Finding experts who understand the intricacies of Alzheimer’s and who remain up-to-date on best practices, new treatments and such will help you stay informed and stay proactive about you or your loved one’s progression.”

Step #2: Get regular medical care.

Seniors often have a handful of other medical issues in addition to Alzheimer’s disease. Staying as healthy as possible can help you or your loved one stay active, help with cognitive decline and provide the best possible quality of life. Besides staying on top of regular appointments with a primary care physician, ask for referrals for specialists that can assist with specific health needs – such as a neurologist, memory disorder doctor or other professional.

Step #3: Make plans for the future. 

The one consistent thing about Alzheimer’s is that a decline in abilities will happen. As soon as possible, sit down with key players to determine what will happen at different phases of the disease. Will you continue to live at home and hire assistance when it becomes needed? Will you move into the home of a family caregiver? Would you consider moving to a memory care community, and when would that situation be necessary?

The individual with dementia will also want to make sure that financial and legal matters are squared away with steps put in place to make decisions smoother. A few of the documents that are must-have for those with dementia are powers of attorney (both for healthcare decisions and financial decisions), living wills, last wills and testaments and advance directives. Trish suggests meeting with a trusted professional as soon as possible to help work through arrangements and help you and your family make decisions.

Step #4: Make your home safe for day-to-day tasks. 

Many people with Alzheimer’s will generally continue to live at home for some time following the diagnosis. In order to allow you or a loved one to continue living as independently as possible, there are some modifications that can be done to help make home a safe place. Here are just a few suggestions:

  • Get a home-safety evaluation and make any suggestions determined by the professional
  • Join the MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association® 24/7 Wandering Support program
  • Use simple memory aids to help you or a loved one stay organized. This can be as simple as sticky notes and notepads that list directions, pillboxes to keep medicines organized or setting timers on a cell phone.
  • Coordinate with friends and family members to help with tasks such as buying groceries, transportation, paying bills and cooking.

Step #5: Connect with local services. 

The old saying “it takes a village” is definitely true when it comes to Alzheimer’s. There’s no way one person can do and handle everything … and it’s not necessary, since there are so many local services that exist to help seniors and those with Alzheimer’s get the help they need. The nationwide Eldercare Locator can help you locate services such as transportation, meal services and others. Check with your local Alzheimer’s Association® chapter, who can connect you with Alzheimer’s specific resources. Another great resource is a memory care community like Bridges®by EPOCH at Trumbull.

“At Bridges by EPOCH at Trumbull, we understand the effects that Alzheimer’s has on individuals and families, and we do everything we can to support those in our community,” says Trish. “Whether you are a member of our community, a family caregiver or a family member, we are here to help support, guide and advise you and your loved ones throughout the memory loss journey.”

Personalized Lifestyle

Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull’s highly specialized, resident-centered Bridges® program is a positive, uplifting approach to memory care and wellness that focuses on a resident’s current skills and abilities, not on those that have been lost to dementia.

Each programming plan is as unique as the resident it serves, requiring all Bridges® team members to take an active interest in getting to know each resident on a personal level. Then, accounting for a particular resident’s preferences, interests, needs and abilities, we customize the most efficient blend of expert-recommended care, exercises, activities and communication techniques in order to connect with the individual, encourage their involvement in daily life and create happy, meaningful moments.

Intimate Environment

Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull features four distinct households, each with its own spacious common areas, along with 14 private and two companion suites. Suites feature private bathrooms and walk-in showers.

Each household has a home-like look and feel, creating an atmosphere of warmth, security and comfort for our residents and their families. While furnishings are provided, we encourage families to furnish their loved ones’ suites with favorite possessions from home to help them feel at home.

Featuring stunning residential design that complements the surrounding community, every inch of the interior is designed to benefit those with Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. Attributes such as soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel comfortable and safe.

Contact us today to learn more.

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