A new health diagnosis is often followed by negative emotions as families try to digest the news. While dementia does create a set of new challenges, it’s possible to cultivate a positive mindset that helps you and your aging loved one make the most of a difficult situation. Before considering dementia home care, San Diego families should adopt the following strategies on how to maintain positivity.
Get Updated on the Latest Research
Most people don’t know much about dementia until it affects their loved ones, which leads to a great deal of misinformation. For instance, you may only know what you have seen and heard on television, which is often purposefully dramatic. Contrary to popular belief, there are things your loved one can do to slow the progression of dementia. While some seniors benefit from brain training exercises, others can try new medications. Do some research about the latest advances in dementia care to get a better understanding about the disease.
Join a Support Group
Your loved one may be the first person you have ever known who lives with dementia. If this is the case, you may feel alone, scared, and completely hopeless. Support groups put you in touch with other people who know what you are going through. In fact, many of the people you meet have been in your shoes and are willing to lend you advice if you ask. If you feel as though you don’t have time to join a support group, consider respite care so you can benefit from meeting other caregivers.
Find Safe Ways to Vent
You may feel the need to be strong for your loved one, but it’s also acceptable to feel angry and scared about his or her diagnosis. Negative emotions that are allowed to build up may eventually come out at an inappropriate time. Instead of losing your temper at your family members during a minor disagreement, find healthier outlets for your painful emotions. Whether you decide to go for a run or write in a journal, venting through therapeutic activities is essential for your happiness.
Make Plans for the Future
Finding out your loved one has dementia may leave you feeling as though you have lost control over what happens to him or her. However, you still have the opportunity to change the things you can. Find out how your loved one prefers to be cared for when he or she reaches the later stages of dementia and can no longer live independently. By discussing your loved one’s preferences beforehand, you won’t have to rely on guesswork when he or she becomes incapacitated.
Living with dementia can be a challenging task for seniors as well as their family members. If your aging loved one needs help managing the symptoms of a serious medical condition, reach out to Coast Care Partners. We offer high-quality dementia and Alzheimer’s home care San Diego families can count on. Our caregivers can help your aging loved one boost his or her mental acuity and slow the progression of dementia. We also offer assistance with basic tasks such as housekeeping, cleaning, and meal prep. To learn about our high-quality services, give us a call at 619-354-2544 today.
