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Caregiver Tips: Navigating the Early Stages of Dementia

Helpful Next Steps After a Dementia Diagnosis

An older woman holds hands with a younger woman

When doctors give a dementia diagnosis, it can often feel like life screeches to a halt. Suddenly, the future may seem uncertain, and both the patient and caregiver may feel overwhelmed or even scared, thinking 

“What should I do?”

“What’s next?” 

This is completely normal. It’s important to remember that during the early stages of dementia, many people are still relatively independent, but you may notice more frequent short-term memory issues, and patients will begin to have noticeable difficulty performing complicated everyday tasks.

If your loved one has received a dementia diagnosis, it may mean you’re suddenly finding yourself in a new caregiving role–one you likely don’t have much experience with. But you can learn how to do this. It’s important to ask questions—both about how to help your loved one and how to support them through the progression of dementia. Taking the time to understand the disease and prepare for the future can make a big difference in managing what comes next. Below are some tips to help you navigate the early stages.

1. Understand Alzheimer's/Dementia

Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It’s important to differentiate between cognitive changes that happen with age and those caused by dementia. Dementia affects memory, reasoning, daily tasks, and judgment. Seeking information from your loved ones’ doctor, trusted websites, or educational courses will help both of you better understand the disease.

2. Accept the Diagnosis

As a caregiver, you may have noticed changes in your loved one before they did. While it’s easy to dismiss these changes, formalizing the diagnosis with your loved one’s doctor can help you accept the reality of the situation and plan ahead.

3. Plan for the Future

Even in the early stages, people with dementia can still express their desires for the future. It's helpful to have conversations about legal, financial, and long-term care plans at this stage. Knowing your loved one’s wishes can guide difficult decisions as the disease progresses. For more information, check out our article, Start Here: Long Term Care Planning 

4. Learn About Resources

There are many resources available to support caregivers. At Evergreen Commons, our staff is here to help you navigate a variety of services, including elder law attorneys, in-home care services, Medicare counseling, caregiver support groups, and more. 

 

All of these tips can help you feel more prepared and empowered to navigate the early stages of dementia.

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