So your loved one has dementia – now what?

You’ve just received the news that your loved one has dementia. Whether you were expecting this or caught a little off guard, we know how difficult hearing about this diagnosis can be—for the patient, their family and their friends. If you’re responsible for the future care of your loved one, you might be wondering what’s next in the journey. Heather Glen Senior Living is here to help with a beginner’s guide to navigating this challenge alongside the person you’re caring for. 

Learn about dementia 

The first step in being supportive of your loved one is becoming educated on dementia itself. According to the Dementia Society of America, dementia is not a specific disease, but a broad, umbrella term for a collection of symptoms that affect the brain. These symptoms include memory loss, losing the ability to solve problems, difficulty maintaining emotional control and noticeable personality changes. It occurs when the part of your brain used for learning, memory, decision making and language are damaged or diseased. 

WebMD states that the most common causes of dementia are degenerative neurological diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and multiple sclerosis), with Alzheimer’s affecting 60 to 80 percent of diagnosed patients. Other causes include vascular disorders, traumatic brain injuries, infections of the central nervous system and long-term alcohol or drug abuse. 

Dementia typically goes through stages, ranging from no impairment to severe declines. Every patient and case is different, so staying in regular contact with your loved one’s medical professionals can keep you well-informed and be better capable of assisting them. 

Decide on a course of care 

There are many factors to consider when choosing how your loved one will be cared for during this difficult time. Depending on the severity of their symptoms and your ability to care for them, there’s a few options you both have. 

Based on your loved one’s condition and your availability, you may choose to be their primary caregiver. This is a huge undertaking, combining the commitments of your time, your emotions and sometimes your health to care for someone else. If you do choose to be the caregiver for your loved one, seek professional help (usually from their medical physician) to designate a care plan. 

An alternate option for care is a personal care community, like Heather Glen. Heather Glen has  a designated memory care option for residents, where professionals will assist them with day-to-day activities, life enrichment programming, a therapy garden for sensory stimulation and private studio living options. 

Access community resources 

Dementia can make the patient (and caregivers) feel isolated, like nobody understands what they’re going through. Luckily, most communities have an abundance of resources available for your loved one (and you) as you both navigate this challenge. The power of technology has also unleashed thousands of resources to help from the comfort of your own home. If you decide a personal care community is right for your loved one, they’ll be surrounded by resources 24/7. 

Learning about a dementia diagnosis is extremely difficult. At Heather Glen Senior Living, we can offer peace of mind. Reach out today and we will ensure that your loved ones get the best care possible in the Lehigh Valley area.  To find out more, visit us online at www.HGSeniorLiving.com