Malvern Living Jul - Aug 2023

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Choose a property at Cartwright Court in <strong>Malvern</strong> and you can enjoy the peace of mind knowing we take care of all the things you might have come to think of as a hassle. Our team look after everything from building maintenance to gardening, while our friendly on-site staff ensure things are always running smoothly. Leaving you free to enjoy life the way it should be. Available from £130,000* To book your tour, get in touch today. Low maintenance homes Safety & security Reduced energy bills Communal spaces Landscaped gardens Table service restaurant *Terms & conditions and extra charges apply. Subject to availability, while stocks last. Prices correct at time of print. #Available to new visitors taking a guided tour of Cartwright Court. Tours must be booked in advance, up to a maximum of 4 persons per party. Imagery is representative and facilities vary by location. Source code: RS0342
DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS: what are the next steps? Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. It is important to understand what dementia is and how it affects the brain. Dementia is a general term that describes a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is caused by damage to brain cells, which affects thinking, behaviour, and feelings. There are different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Each type of dementia has its own set of symptoms and progression. Understanding the type of dementia and its symptoms can help individuals and their families better cope with the diagnosis and plan for the future. After receiving a dementia diagnosis, it is important to seek practical advice on how to cope with the changes that may occur. Simple strategies can make a big difference in day-to-day life. For example, providing clear and simple instructions can help individuals with dementia better understand and complete tasks. It is also important to recognise the coping strategies of the person with dementia and see things from their perspective. Seeking support from organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Society and the Contented Dementia Trust can provide individuals and their families with helpful resources and guidance on how to manage the diagnosis. It is important to care for oneself and seek emotional support after receiving a dementia diagnosis. This may include making regular appointments with a primary care doctor or specialist, such as a neurologist or geriatric psychiatrist. Additionally, caregivers should acknowledge their feelings and seek practical help and emotional support when needed. Asking doctors about trials or studies and contacting dementia charities for potential research opportunities can also provide individuals and their families with hope for the future. Planning for the future and making necessary preparations, such as legal and financial planning, can also aid the feeling of control during this difficult time. NEXT STEPS AFTER A DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming and emotional. However, it is essential to take the next steps to manage the condition effectively. Recognising that dementia affects a person’s abilities and treating them with dignity and respect is crucial. Therefore, it is important to educate oneself and loved ones about the diagnosis and the best ways to provide care and support. Legal and financial planning is another critical step. It is essential to establish consent to manage finances and consider being named as a power of attorney. Consulting a later life legal specialist can ease the burden. Additionally, it is important to have important legal documents in place, such as a Will, power of attorney, and advanced directives for healthcare. Building a support network and exploring care-giving options is also necessary after a dementia diagnosis. Care-giving can be challenging and impact the care-giver’s health, so it is crucial to reach out to organisations that can provide assistance. Asking friends and family for help with daily needs such as cooking, transportation, and shopping can also be beneficial. Providing choices and recognising the person’s coping strategies can also help with care-giving. Improving communication skills is also essential to reduce stress and improve the quality of the relationship with the person with dementia. PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR COPING WITH DEMENTIA Being diagnosed with dementia can be overwhelming, but there are practical steps that individuals can take to cope with the diagnosis. One of the most important steps is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. Participating in activities that one enjoys can also help improve mood and overall well-being. Additionally, seeking support from family members, friends, or local services can help with routine tasks such as cooking, transportation, and shopping. By prioritising a healthy lifestyle and seeking support, individuals with dementia can better manage their symptoms and maintain their independence. When engaging in activities or hobbies, it’s important to keep things simple, reduce distractions, and break activities down into manageable steps. Working with an occupational therapist can also help individuals with dementia stay independent and learn new ways to manage daily tasks. Coping with memory loss and communication challenges can be difficult, but there are strategies that can help. Breaking tasks down into smaller, simpler steps and using written instructions can be helpful. It’s also important to be clear and concise in communication, repeating things as needed and reducing extraneous noise and distractions. Encouraging the use of memory aids, such as a notebook or smart phone, can also be helpful in managing short-term memory loss. Joining a support group or attending counselling sessions can make a world of difference in terms of managing the emotional and practical impacts of living with dementia. Support groups offer a chance to connect with others who can provide advice and understanding, as well as to simply listen and create a sense of community. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT) Continued Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective therapy for helping those with memory loss manage their emotions and behaviour. It focuses on problem solving and helps individuals identify their triggers and develop coping strategies to manage them. CBT can help individuals with dementia recognise the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and help them adjust to the changes in their life caused by dementia. One of the most important next steps after a dementia diagnosis is to reach out for help and support. For more resources and support, please visit dementiauk.org www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 27
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Malvern Living Jul - Aug 2023

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