Memory loss and a decrease in cognitive function are typical with aging. However, some men and women can experience different types of dementia that seriously impacts their ability to function. If your parents are beginning to show signs of dementia, you should know what to expect after a dementia diagnosis to prepare yourself for caring for their needs. A senior memory care program can provide your parents with a safe and secure environment for their safety and wellbeing.
At Baptist Retirement Community, our team is certified in treating Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Lewy Body, and other forms of dementia through our senior memory care program. Our senior living community provides seniors with the appropriate living conditions for their unique needs. We have floor plans for active seniors who still want their independence and private and semi-private rooms for those who need round-the-clock care. Reach out to our compassionate staff today by calling 325.313.7931 for more information about our senior memory care program.
What To Do After Learning a Loved One Has Dementia
It can be very scary for parents and their children after a dementia diagnosis. The symptoms of dementia and their severity can range widely between patients. If you get a diagnosis early enough, the signs of dementia may not worsen for several years. While there is no cure for dementia, there are several types of therapies that can reduce memory loss and regain some physical abilities.
If you’re unfamiliar with dementia, the typical symptoms of dementia include:
- Difficulty speaking, reading, or writing
- Having trouble understanding or expressing thoughts
- Wandering or getting lost in familiar settings
- Repeating questions
- Constantly misplacing things
- Unable to complete routine tasks
After learning a loved one has dementia, there are several things you can do to give them the care they need. At Baptist Retirement Community, we can assist your parent with dementia through our senior memory care services. We have two dementia treatment centers to give your parents a safe and secure environment where they will receive the care they need to thrive.
What to Expect After a Dementia Diagnosis
Typically, the signs of dementia don’t show up until a person reaches their 80s, but some people can experience an early onset of dementia as early as their 30s. A dementia diagnosis isn’t the end of the world. Many seniors go on to lead normal lives for years before any serious symptoms of dementia can appear.
Here’s what to expect after a dementia diagnosis:
Emotional turmoil
Seniors and their families will experience a wide range of emotions, from fear, anger, confusion, and sadness. Talking about the diagnosis and what to expect will help ease those feelings.
Learn about dementia
Educating yourself about dementia and how it will affect your parent and the family is important for coping after a dementia diagnosis. You can talk to everyone about how the diagnosis will change things. Also, you can learn the best types of treatments that are available.
Senior living communities
For more severe cases of dementia, senior living communities offer memory care services that can greatly improve their wellbeing. They get the care and support they need from trained professionals while being close to their peers to socialize in a safe environment.
Baptist Retirement Community Provides Senior Memory Care Services for Seniors Living with Dementia
When working with your parent with dementia becomes too much, and they need more care than you or your family can provide, Baptist Retirement Community can help. Our staff will go over with you what to expect after a dementia diagnosis. They’ll also discuss how we can care for your parents in a secure environment with 24/7 supervision.
Fill out our online assessment or call 325.313.7931 today to speak with our compassionate staff about enrolling your parent or elderly loved one in our senior memory care program.