Facing any new diagnosis can feel overwhelming and leaving you uncertain of what to do next. Here we work through a few of local resources which might help you move forward.
Receiving a dementia diagnosis, whether for yourself or a loved one, can be overwhelming and daunting. The journey ahead may seem uncertain and filled with challenges, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. This blog will guide you through understanding dementia, what to expect after a diagnosis, and where to find the support, you need.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of conditions affecting cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, but other forms include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
The Emotional Impact of a Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with dementia or having a loved one diagnosed can trigger a myriad of emotions: fear, sadness, confusion, and even relief at finally understanding the cause of troubling symptoms. It’s crucial to acknowledge these feelings and seek emotional support.
Steps to Take Following a Diagnosis
Educate Yourself: Understanding the type of dementia diagnosed and its progression can help in planning and managing the condition. If you are supporting someone managing this daily, then there are a couple of facilities that can help you understand what it feels like for your loved one.
Alzheimer’s Research have produced an app called ‘A Walk Through Dementia’ giving you an experience into some of the challenges they face in different setting like the supermarket. This can be downloaded from the app store on your phone or can be found along with educational videos at https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/campaigns/awtd/
The Dementia Bus is a specially equipped bus that gives an immersive experience in to the life of someone living with dementia. Get a feel for what to expect and book tickets here: Virtual Dementia Tour
Medical Support: Regular consultations with healthcare providers, including neurologists and primary care physicians, are essential for managing symptoms and overall health. If you are in the situation where you suspect that someone you know is showing signs of Dementia, then you may want to talk through the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Checklist as a prompt or talking points to broach the subject. It is important to encourage them to see their GP as soon as possible, you may even want to suggest you support your friend or relative by accompanying them to their doctor’s appointment.
Legal and Financial Planning: Address legal matters early, such as establishing power of attorney and managing finances, to ensure the person’s wishes are honoured.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Creating a safe and supportive environment at home and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help manage symptoms. There are so many creative avenues in which to enhance quality of life at home, such as My Life Films which offers a range of Dementia-friendly programmes which you can sample on their website My Life Films .
Finding Support
Navigating dementia can be less daunting with the right support network and there are some great resources in our community. Here are some local resources to consider:
Support groups provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community. They can be found through local hospitals, community centers, or online platforms. Some of our tried and tested favourites are:
Memory Cafés: These drop-in sessions are brilliant social gatherings for people with dementia and their caregivers to connect and enjoy activities in a supportive setting. The Pewsey Vale Memory Cafe The Pewsey Vale Memory Cafe is on the third Monday of every month at the Bouverie Hall in Pewsey from 2pm to 3.30pm. You can find a list of your local Memory cafes on Wiltshire Council Website Wiltshire Council Website just enter your postcode and the distance in the top search bar.
Arts Together: This fabulous dementia-friendly group is run by professional artists helping to keep the elderly and isolated, creative and connected. It also offers a chance to meet some of our friendly team from the Home Instead Andover and East Wiltshire office who enjoy supporting the Arts Together members, with any care assistance they need during their classes. To find out more and become a member please visit their website: https://www.artstogether.co.uk/our-groups
Professional Support Services
Consulting with a care service provider may be something you need to consider, and we are here to help you navigate your options and talk through how we can support you. To find out more on our services and to get in touch please review our page Home Instead Dementia Care Specialists
Coping as a Caregiver
Caring for someone with dementia is a demanding role. It’s essential to take care of your own physical and mental health.
Seek respite care options. We all need to step away sometimes to ensure we continue to deliver the best care for our loved ones as well as for ourselves. Depending on what level of support your family and friends can offer and how advanced the stage of dementia is, you may need to consider a care company. Home Instead Andover Respite Services can help to give you peace of mind caring for your loved one while you take a well-earned break away.
Connect with other caregivers,Carer Support Wiltshire, offers opportunities to meet up with other Carers in the local area, either in person or online.
There are Carer Cafe meet ups in Amesbury, Devizes and Marlborough. The Pewsey Carers Cafe, meet on the first Tuesday of every month at The Wesley Hall, Pewsey Methodist Church, 35 North St, Pewsey, SN9 5ES. There is no need to book, you can just turn up to any of the Carer meet up sessions.
You can find your nearest meet using the following link and filtering for ‘Carer Cafe’ and the area: https://carersupportwiltshire.co.uk/whats-on
Beginning a new chapter
A dementia diagnosis marks the beginning of a new chapter. While it brings challenges, numerous resources and support systems are available to help you and your loved ones navigate this journey. By educating yourself, planning ahead, and connecting with support networks, you can manage dementia more effectively and ensure a better quality of life for everyone involved.