Share:

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. From utilizing a home health care service to discussing your loved one’s wishes, you can do a number of things to help manage the disease’s impact. Careful planning is key to your family member’s treatment and safety. 

4 Ways to Prepare for Your Loved One’s Future

1. Visit the Doctor Early

You need to tend to a loved one’s care as soon as symptoms arise. If you notice your loved one has trouble remembering their routine, schedule an appointment with their physician. The doctor will conduct neurological tests, and, based on those results, they might refer you to a specialist. Early dementia treatment gives you more time to prepare for the years ahead and may help delay the disease’s progression. It can also help ensure your loved one’s safety and protect them from potentially getting lost or engaging in other risky behavior, like driving. 

2. Inform Family Members

Once your loved one has a dementia diagnosis, you need to talk to them about how to communicate this news with the rest of the family and people who are close to them. Some people may feel anxious or even resentful about telling other people about their condition. You should respect your loved one’s privacy, but also weigh the potential consequences of keeping the diagnosis a secret. Dementia is commonly associated with mood swings and confusion, which could lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Some situations might also become dangerous—for example, if your loved one wanders and gets lost. You might want to consider asking your loved one to wear a medical bracelet in case there is an emergency.

3. Identify a Support System

home health careRegular social interaction will alleviate some symptoms of dementia and improves patients’ quality of life. Having a support network can make weekly or even daily communication more feasible. From additional family members to home health care professionals, assemble a group of people to visit, make phone calls, and interact with your loved one to keep them from feeling isolated.

4. Talk With Your Loved One

If your loved one receives an early diagnosis of dementia, talk to them about their wishes. As the condition progresses, do they want to consider moving in with family or switching to a special facility? Allowing them to be part of the planning process provides a sense of agency and could make them feel better about their treatment.

 

Dementia is a progressive disease, but you can make the condition easier to manage and drastically improve your loved one’s quality of life by taking an active role in their treatment. For over 60 years, Lifetime Care has served families throughout the Finger Lakes region, including Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Cayuga, and Schuyler counties. If you need home health care services for a family member with dementia, they will treat your loved one with compassion and skilled training. To learn more about their home health care services, visit them online or call (585) 214-1000 today.

tracking