Over 6 million people are living with dementia in the USA. If you have recently been given the news that your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about what to do next. Ultimately, every single individual living with dementia has a completely different experience of the disease, so it may be a case of having to find your way through as it progresses.
While caring for someone with dementia is a challenging experience, it is also extremely rewarding as you allow them to maintain as close to their normal life as possible. It is also crucial to plan for what may lie ahead in the future so that you’re fully prepared for any scenario.
Here are some of the things you can do when your loved one has dementia:
1. Consider Memory Care Living
If you’re concerned about your loved one living alone, it may be worth looking into memory care living. If their condition worsens, they may become a hazard to themselves or be unable to take care of their well-being. The benefit of a memory care Jackson NJ senior living community is that residents receive around-the-clock support from trained health professionals, especially during the later stages of the disease. You will also have the peace of mind that they are in a safe and secure environment where they can lead a life of independence without any risk of danger.
2. Be Realistic About What You Can Manage
While you may have put yourself forward to take care of a loved one with dementia, at times, you may struggle with the immense pressures of the role. Remember, only take on what you can. It can take a while to adjust to the new responsibilities around your other commitments, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Also, get rid of any guilt and ensure you take time out for yourself so that you can enjoy the other aspects of your life that are important to you.
3. Deal With The Range Of Emotions
It’s natural to be filled with a range of emotions as the relationship with your loved one changes in the later stages of the disease. You may feel angry that you can no longer communicate like you once did or even feel a sense of grief for the fact that you are slowly losing the person you had always known. Understand these are perfectly normal emotions that you must process to accept the changes and deal with whatever comes your way.
4. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
After confiding in those around you about the situation, your friends and relatives will likely be offering their help. Don’t be afraid to take them up on the offer. As your loved one’s condition deteriorates, why not suggest various ways others can step in to help you cope with this? Whether it be picking up your children from school or having a shoulder to cry on during your lowest moments, those people you surround yourself with will make a difference during this time.
If you don’t have any close family or friends, it may be worth joining a support group in which you can meet others who are in the same position as you and share stories and suggestions about how to deal with the situation.
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