| How to Cope with a Diagnosis of Dementia |
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Dementia is a brain disorder that can be caused from a number of illnesses. People with dementia have brain cells that shrink and or disappear. It affects their memory and ultimately their ability to think. A diagnosis of dementia means that at some point down the road the person will require some sort of help with their day to day living. Because this disease affects different locations in the brain, there will be different cognitive functions lost. It all depends on the degree of the illness and the area affected. Coming up with a care plan must be catered to each individual case. Unfortunately there is no cure for dementia since it's impossible to restore the damaged brain cells. There are, however, treatments to help the dementia patient cope. These treatments combined with emotional support can give more quality of life to the patient. If a person with dementia is allowed to remain in their home as long as possible, their quality of life is better. By being around familiar settings they can avoid or reduce the chances of having to be institutionalized. By planning ahead and being organized you can address these life changing issues before they arrive. Two things that are very important for both the patient and the caregiver are: 1. Advanced Directive. This is in place to carry out the wishes of the patient. If these are written out ahead of time, then it is easier to fulfill these wishes for the patient when they are unable to make the decisions for themselves. 2. Durable Power of Attorney. This is important that the caregiver have this so they can continue to help the patient to live as fulfilling a life as possible. It's important to do this well before the patient loses the ability to agree to it or the ability to sign their name. Once the advanced directive and the durable power of attorney are in place these are the next steps to insure the best care for the dementia patient. 1. Go over the medical and long term care policies. Find out what you need to do when the time comes for need of these. 2. Go over the home environment to make sure it is safe enough for the patient. 3. Go over all legal documents, making sure everything is in order as it should be. 4. Education and resources — find out as much as you can about dealing with dementia patients. Look for classes in your community or for online education and support. 5. Find support groups in your area. Call your local hospital, aging groups, social workers and churches for information about possible groups. If there are no groups be proactive in starting them, chances are there are others in your area who would benefit from the support and or help. 6. Enlist the help of family and friends. Set up a support system to help with the care — whether it physical care with day to day activities or financial support or even just emotional support. Diane Carbo has a passion for helping aging adults realize their goal of remaining at home as they age. <a href ="http://www.aginghomehealthcare.com">Visit http://www.aginghomehealthcare.com</a> for more information about home health care and benefit from her 35 years of experience in the field. |
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