First Steps After Dementia Diagnosis

If your loved one recently got diagnosed with dementia, it is a life-alerting event for both of you. It is natural to feel overwhelmed by the progressive nature of dementia and its impacts. After your loved one takes the primary step and receives a dementia diagnosis, it is helpful to know what you can do next.

Educating yourself about your loved one's disease and learning how to deal with the diagnosis can help you and your family. Here are the first steps you can take after a dementia diagnosis to make the journey comfortable and bump-free for your loved one.

Step 1: Seek Professional Help

When an individual gets diagnosed with dementia, it can become challenging for them to look after themselves, and it can also be difficult for you to keep an eye on them at all times. So, nurse-led dementia care homes are one of the best options to ensure your loved one receives the care they need.

If your family member recently discovered that they have dementia, they might still be in the right mind to make significant decisions for their life. You must discuss the option of moving into a memory care home with them before making final arrangements. Take some time to help your loved one realize that they can receive help from SageCare, a retirement home that made it to the top ten in the Toronto list. Once they realize the benefits, they may happily move into a home where they can age in place.Credit: Li Lin Via Unsplash

Step 2: Begin Treatment

Depending on the type of dementia your loved one got diagnosed with, there might be some treatments available to slow down the progression of the disease. It is essential to start treatment immediately after diagnosis to increase the chances of their performance.

The doctor will inform the senior with dementia regarding treatment options, which could include medication or therapy. Your loved one will require your utmost care and support during this time.

Step 3: Assess Basic Skills & Abilities

With dementia, many seniors lose basic skills such as cooking, cleaning, bathing, and operating vehicles. You need to evaluate your loved one's ability to focus and make decisions. People with dementia will eventually need someone to help them perform daily tasks and take their medication, so a professional caregiver is necessary.

It is also important to stop someone with dementia from driving when the disease progresses, as it can pose multiple health risks for them and others on the street.Credit: Andrea Piacquadio Via Pexels

Step 4: Sort Out Financial Affairs

A senior living with dementia might face difficulties managing their bills and expenses. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, you may need to sort out their financial affairs for them. Create legal preparations such as wills, if needed as well.

Often, seniors get scammed due to their age, so it is risky for someone with dementia to be exposed to such risks. In 2020, senior citizens lost almost $1 billion in scams.

Step 5: Educate Yourself About Dementia

Knowledge is power when it comes to a progressive disease like dementia. It can be difficult for you to help your loved one if you aren't aware of what to expect. Take some time to find helpful resources near you and continue your research to ensure that your loved one receives the care they need.