Memory loss, forgetfulness that’s becoming increasingly disruptive to daily life, and other symptoms related to dementia often develop and progress slowly. But when your senior loved one is properly assessed because of concerns about symptoms of this nature, you’ll likely have several questions if a dementia diagnosis is made. Here are six questions you should ask once you get this type of news about a loved one.
1. Does My Loved One Know He or She Has Dementia?
A dementia expert interviewed by U.S. News & World Report estimates roughly half of all people with dementia-related conditions aren’t fully aware of the extent of their cognitive impairment. Even if your loved one is initially aware of what’s going on, this understanding may diminish over time.
Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional caregivers. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care service families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
2. How Does Dementia Progress Over Time?
The answer to this question will depend on the type of dementia your loved one has. Some forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, progress in stages with increasingly advanced symptoms. However, other forms of dementia have fairly consistent symptoms.
3. Does This Mean It’s Alzheimer’s?
Getting a diagnosis of dementia is like being told a loved one has cancer. Dementia is an umbrella term that covers many different dementia-related conditions, one of which is Alzheimer’s disease. As is the case with cancer, there are many possibilities. In fact, many people diagnosed with dementia actually have more than one type of dementia at the same time—referred to as mixed dementia. Other forms of dementia, such as vascular dementia, are easier to manage and may even be reversible.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, medication reminders, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care Westminster, a leading provider of home care Westminster families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
4. What Does a Caregiver Need to Do & Know?
If you’ll be the one providing care for your loved one with dementia, you may feel just as overwhelmed as your loved one does when the diagnosis is made. A good starting point is to get as much information as possible about your loved one’s type of dementia. It can also be helpful to:
- Focus on maintaining a consistent routine
- Get your own personal support system in place (e.g., other family members, friends, and/or a support group for caregivers)
- Keep your own health and wellbeing in mind as you provide care
5. Could Dementia Be Something Else?
Respectfully ask how the diagnosis of dementia was made. Oftentimes, it’s a process of elimination based on a series of assessments and tests. On a related note, ask if it’s possible there could be other sources of your loved one’s symptoms. Possibilities include:
- Undiagnosed depression or anxiety disorders
- Sleep-related problems
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Medication issues
- Thyroid conditions
- Parkinson’s disease that hasn’t yet been diagnosed
6. What Steps Need to Be Taken Next?
Initially, dementia care typically involves lending a hand when it’s needed and being observant so you can keep your loved one’s doctor informed. During the early stages, it can also be beneficial to discuss personal preferences with your loved one while he or she is still able to make sound decisions about care wishes and arrangements. As care needs become more demanding, in-home care is one way to maintain a healthy balance between your own needs and your loved one’s care requirements.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Westminster families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care today.
