Dementia Diagnosis, What's Next?

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a general term for a group of conditions that affect your brain and cause a decline in cognitive function, like thinking, memory and reasoning. Dementia can have major effects on both individuals and their families. For people diagnosed with Dementia, it often can lead to difficulties with memory, communication, and daily tasks, which can lead to upset, frustration, and a decrease in independence. As cognitive ability declines, people may struggle to recognise their loved ones, keep a conversation, and manage their personal care.

It can have a strong emotional and physical impact on their families’ lives too. CareGivers in the family can experience stress and anxiety, and even may start to grieve as they watch their loved one change. The responsibility to care for a loved one with Dementia can cause burnout, as family members may need to balance this care with their work, other responsibilities such as looking after children and their own well-being. Dementia affects not only the individual but also creates a butterfly effect that can heavily impact family life.

Types of Dementia and their Symptoms

There are many types of Dementia, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia and a few more. Each of these impacts the brain in different ways, often causing different symptoms. Some common symptoms of Dementia include:

• Memory Loss
• Difficulty making decisions, solving problems, or solving a series of steps
• Confusion
• Communication difficulties, such as struggling to find the right word
• Personality Changes
• Hallucinations
• Social Withdrawal
• Mood Changes

To prepare for your appointment, it's helpful to bring a list of your symptoms. This will assist the GP in understanding how to best support you and provide a diagnosis. It’s a good idea to bring a list of questions you may have. This way, you can make the most of your GP appointment and hopefully gain more clarity on the next steps. At your GP appointment, you can discuss any concerns about care and support, perhaps ask them about any care homes or at-home care companies they can give you more information on.

So, you have a Dementia diagnosis, what’s next?

Once you or a loved one receives a diagnosis, it is important to be proactive in seeking any necessary help or support. This could involve attending support groups, such as a local coffee club or a dementia café. These gatherings can help you and your loved one feel less isolated and alone in this experience.

 Local Organisations and Services:

     -   Unpaid Carers Southampton: Support for those caring for individuals with dementia

     -   Memory Cafés by Caraway: Social gatherings for those with dementia and their families.

     -   Dementia Support Hampshire and IOW: Comprehensive support services available.

     -   Dementia Friendly Southampton: Community initiatives to foster inclusivity.

     -   Communicare: Assistance for individuals and families navigating care

Home care services can provide valuable support for daily living after a dementia diagnosis. Right at Home offers various care options, including assistance with dressing, meal preparation, medication management, and personal hygiene tasks like showering. In addition to helping with household chores, we also provide companionship and support for families, among many other services.

At Right at Home we create personalised care plans to ensure every need of every client is met. We understand that every person has unique needs, and our job is to understand them fully in order to provide the best possible care we can. Some of the services we offer at Right at Home Solent are:

• Companionship
• Dementia Care
• Personal Care
• Respite Care
• Live-In Care
• Hospital to Home

At Right at Home Solent, we can also offer emotional support, practical advice and resources to help you and your family after a Dementia diagnosis.

In conclusion, being well-prepared for your/your loved one’s initial GP appointment really can enhance your experience and ensure you receive the best support possible. By bringing a list of your symptoms and any questions you may have, you empower your doctor to provide a comprehensive assessment and address your unique needs. It’s an opportunity to discuss your concerns, explore care options, and gain valuable insights into the next steps in your journey. Remember, taking these proactive steps can make a positive difference in managing your or your loved ones’ health and well-being.

To find out more about the care and support we can give you at Right at Home Solent, visit our services page, or get in touch with us on 01329 233 755