Welcome to my fourth Tiny Talk about dementia.
Tips after receiving a dementia diagnosis Typically receiving a diagnosis of dementia is not the beginning of this trajectory.
It usually is preceded by months,
If not years,
Of concerns and worries,
During which the person themselves and those around them start noticing something is off.
The diagnosis gives a framework and may bring some relief.
But too often people are sent home with next to no information or even the suggestion that life is basically over.
Here are some tips if you or a loved one has recently received a diagnosis of dementia.
Allow for some time to let the dust settle.
As mentioned you may already have weeks or months of concerns and worries under your belt.
When you feel a bit settled,
Make a list of things that you want to ask your healthcare provider.
For example,
What type of dementia do you suspect?
Do you know of any support groups in our area?
What non-pharmacological supports should I put in place?
Compliment this information from your healthcare provider with online resources,
Like Alzheimer's Disease International,
The Alzheimer's Association and foundations for the suspected type of dementia and especially local dementia associations or support groups.
I would steer away from forums.
Connect with people that are going through the same,
Preferably offline.
Make sure you choose people or groups that allow for venting,
But have a focus on how to continue life,
What adaptations to make,
How to maintain roles and activities and have a laugh.
Throughout this process stay connected with your closest loved one or ones.
Share what you are both experiencing and feeling.
Or connect through togetherness,
Continuing or re-assuming activities that you love doing together.
When you are ready and feel you have a full picture and a bit of an idea what you are going to do,
Involve other loved ones.
Take time to share the diagnoses,
What it means and answer any questions they may have.
And if you like,
Share,
In detail,
How they can help you.
This can also mean asking them not to change in any way.
