Lately, you’ve noticed Mom or Dad has been acting differently. They’re forgetting how to do things they once knew instinctively. They’re acting unpredictably, sometimes getting angry for no apparent reason. Something is just “off,” and it’s not getting better. Finally, the diagnosis you’ve been dreading is given to you: your loved one has dementia.
Now what?
“Receiving a dementia diagnosis is life changing,” says Chrissy Ross, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee. “But as I tell many families, it’s not a life-ending diagnosis. There are still many opportunities for you and your loved one to have meaningful moments, make memories and nurture your relationship. The diagnosis is not like a light switch flipping. Dementia is a progressive disease, and there are many ways to mitigate the progression and help your loved one live as comfortable and fulfilling a life as possible.”
Chrissy says that the first step following a dementia diagnosis is to give you and your loved one a chance to absorb and process the news. “Every person will react to the diagnosis in a different way, and you and your loved ones will need to come to an understanding in order to move forward in a positive way,” she says.
She also urges family members to take a step back and remember that, although it’s tempting to jump in and start making changes or demands, their loved one is still the be-all-end-all of the situation.
“One of the things we see often with well-meaning family members is that they immediately want to take control over everything,” she says. “However, this can be more hurtful than helpful. Your loved one is still capable of doing many things and making their own decisions, especially in the early stages of the disease. We do our best to remind family members that the senior is still an adult and should be respected as such. Whenever possible and realistic, your senior loved one should be the decision-maker – or at least have a voice – for their care and their situation, now and in the future.”
Get educated.
One of the best ways to help yourself and your loved one is to become as educated as possible about the disease. Understanding what to expect will help reduce some of the fear and uncertainty and help lay a road map for the best possible journey ahead. The Alzheimer’s Association® is an excellent place to start. The site can connect you with more information and resources that you can use to further your knowledge. Ask your loved one’s doctor for information and resources, as well.
Make a plan for the future.
As soon as possible, you and your senior loved one should sit down and begin making plans. Not surprisingly, there are many things to consider. What sort of living situation does your loved one want or require? Will he or she live on their own for a time and then move into your home or into a memory care community? Who will have powers of attorney for legal and healthcare matters?
It’s a good idea to meet with financial and legal advisors who have experience in this type of situation. Besides getting your loved one’s affairs in order, they can also suggest resources to help pay for care as well as manage other aspects you might not have thought about. You and your loved one will also want to put together a care team so that care is coordinated in a cohesive and clear manner.
Take steps to live well.
While there is nothing yet that can be done to cure dementia, there are steps your loved one can take to help slow the disease’s progression and live as healthily as possible. The steps you can take are actually fairly simple and quite logical. Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of exercise, do things to reduce stress, continue participating in meaningful activities and get regular check-ups from physicians. If your loved one is in the early stages of dementia, there are medical treatments that can help with the disease progression (which is why it’s so important to receive a diagnosis sooner rather than later).
Living well also means making sure your loved one’s living situation is as helpful and worry-free as possible. Making a daily routine will help him or her immensely, as those with dementia thrive under a routine. While there may be tasks that family members can take over because they’ve become difficult (managing bill payments and financial matters, cleaning the house or other tasks), it’s important that your loved one continue to do the things he or she can still do. Maintaining independence and exercising existing abilities are essential for living well.
Know what to do as the disease progresses.
It’s a harsh reality to accept, but the truth is that your loved one will progressively worsen and require more and more assistance as the disease progresses. He or she will also lose their mental facilities, may experience personality changes and will eventually not recognize or remember even close family members. Eventually, your loved one will require specialized, around-the-clock care. At this stage, many family members choose for their loved one to go to a memory care assisted living community. This can be a difficult decision, but it also brings many benefits, says Chrissy.
“A memory care assisted living community like Bridges by EPOCH at Mashpee is specially designed for the needs and well-being of individuals with dementia,” she says. “But beyond that, it is a wonderful resource for family members, too. We offer support, links to services and assistance to family members who are traveling this journey as well.”
The biggest benefit, Chrissy says, is that family caregivers are able to shed the “caregiver” role and are finally able to re-establish and nurture their relationship as spouse, child or friend. “Being able to do that will provide so many beautiful moments for both you and your loved one,” she says.
Peace of Mind for Cape Cod Seniors and Their Families
Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community creates a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity, respects individual preferences and makes a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
Dedicated Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee offers compassionate dementia care and unique programs that are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident – throughout every stage of disease progression. Residents can age in place comfortably and with dignity, while families gain peace of mind.
Supportive, Engaging Services
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Mashpee, we offer a program of care and services that celebrates life and supports individual strengths. Our compassionate and engaging approach adapts to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment.
Contact us today to learn more.