A dementia diagnosis can be concerning, but tells you that it is time to take the next steps in the care and financial planning for a loved one.
Advance Directives
It’s a sad truth that at one point, your loved one will no longer be able to make decisions for themselves. Advance directives allow you to document their wishes ahead of time. This may include medical orders, such as Do Not Resuscitate and Do Not Intubate, as well as orders related to life-sustaining treatments. You can also document your loved one’s wishes for organ donation.
Financial Planning
It’s important for your loved one to make financial decisions while they still have the capacity to do so. This may include making or changing their will, granting someone as their power of attorney, or creating a living trust. You should consult a legal representative for all of these processes. Those looking for UK Power Of Attorney assistance can look to services such as //powerofattorneyonline.co.uk.
Long-term Care Planning
Long-term care planning is important, and means you can be proactive and not reactive when things change. You can decide in advance at what stage someone might need full-time care, or to move to a residential home. You can also ensure they are involved in choosing where that home might be. Sadly, these plans should include considerations for end-of-life care.
Getting a dementia diagnosis for a loved one can be a worrying event, but it does mean you can start planning to ensure the years ahead are not fraught with difficult decision-making.
Supporting your loved one day to day
A diagnosis is upsetting for the person who receives it and for their family and friends, and it can take time for everyone to take it in. The doctor who gives the diagnosis should be able to offer help, information and details of where to find further support.
In the early stages, some help at home may be enough, and memory aids can make daily life easier. Involve your loved one in decisions about future care while they are able to take part. If a move into a care home may be needed later, visit possible homes together while they can still ask questions and have as much say as possible.
Dementia can bring spells of confusion that leave a person distressed or upset. Staying with them, offering calm words of reassurance or simply holding their hand can help a great deal. Shared activities such as puzzles and music can also bring comfort and connection.
Acting early after a diagnosis
However hard it is to share the news with family, deal with a dementia diagnosis as soon as you can. An early diagnosis makes a big difference, so do not delay seeking help if you suspect something is wrong. Take all the help and advice medical professionals offer, so you and your loved ones have the information you need.
A diagnosis can be frightening, and symptoms such as confusion can add to the fear. Thinking about a new carer or a move into a care home can feel stressful too, but plenty of support and advice is available, and talking concerns through with care home staff can help put your mind at ease.
Make sure everyone involved in the care plan knows exactly what your wishes are, as your needs are likely to change over time. It is wise to make important decisions now, while you still have the mental capacity to make your wishes known.
Acting early after the diagnosis
However hard it is to share the news with family, it is best to start dealing with a dementia diagnosis as soon as possible. A diagnosis can be frightening, and symptoms such as confusion can add to the fear. Getting help early makes a real difference, so take all the support and advice that medical professionals offer and use it to gather the information you and your loved ones need.
Thinking about new carers or a move into a care home can feel overwhelming, but there is plenty of support available. Talking any worries through with carers and care homes can help put your mind at ease and make the options clearer.
Above all, make sure everyone involved in the care plan knows exactly what the person’s wishes are for the future, since their needs are likely to change over time. Important decisions are best made now, while the person diagnosed still has the mental capacity to make their wishes known.