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5 Key Steps to Take Following a Dementia Diagnosis
After a parent or relative receives a dementia diagnosis, you may wonder, “What happens now?” Even though this diagnosis may have brought some closure around worrisome symptoms or behaviors, it may also have raised more questions about progression, care, and the future.
Our Community Senior Life (CSL) team understands that this is a challenging time for you and your family. As a memory care provider in Alabama, CSL is experienced in navigating the world of dementia and helping individuals and their families understand what happens after a dementia diagnosis.
To help you on your journey, we are sharing the essential steps to take after a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis.
Step #1: Process Your Emotions
It’s normal – and even expected – to feel a variety of emotions after a parent or family member receives a dementia diagnosis. You may feel everything from sadness and worry to confusion or anger. Maybe you even feel a sense of loss at realizing your loved one’s life will inevitably change. However, it’s also possible you feel a slight sense of relief knowing that, with this diagnosis, you can find the proper care and support your family member needs.
Whether or not you expected this dementia diagnosis, it’s a lot to take in, and it will take time to process your emotions. Give yourself the time and space to do this, keeping in mind that other members of your family may be feeling the same way as you and that you can reach out to them for support.
Step #2: Educate Yourself About the Diagnosis
Dementia is an umbrella term for multiple conditions impacting memory and cognition. A dementia diagnosis will also confirm the type of dementia a person is likely experiencing, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Once you know the type of dementia, you can learn as much as you can about it to better understand what they are going through, what symptoms to look for, and how it will progress. Furthermore, this can give you an idea of the care and support your loved one will need as the dementia progresses.
Download Our Free Checklist: Navigating a Dementia Diagnosis
Step #3: Explore Care Options
Proper care can go a long way in promoting health, safety, and quality of life. At CSL, our memory care communities throughout Alabama provide residents with a true home away from home that helps them maintain their independence as much as possible while offering 24/7 care support.
We create safe environments that focus on purpose, joy, and engagement. Our memory care services encourage residents to participate in a range of activities throughout the day that can be tailored to each resident’s individual care needs.
Additional community features and amenities include:
Step #4: Plan for the Future
Dementia is a progressive condition, and it is important to plan for the future. This can include creating a financial plan, discussing legal and healthcare decisions with loved ones, and making plans for future care.
It’s essential to include your parent or family member in these decisions about their future as early as possible. As dementia progresses, they may no longer be able to make informed decisions. Planning for the future as soon as a diagnosis is received can ensure your loved one is able to share their thoughts, feelings, and wishes.
Step #5: Seek Support
Fortunately, many support resources are available for people living with dementia and their families, including support groups, educational tools, and respite care services.
Our Alabama memory care communities provide dementia support groups at Haven Memory Care in Gulf Shores and Haven Memory Care on Halcyon in Montgomery. If you would like more information about joining or getting involved in one of these support groups, please contact the community directly.
In addition, ALZConnected, offered through the Alzheimer’s Association, is a “free online community for everyone affected by Alzheimer’s or another dementia, including people with the disease and their caregivers, friends, family members, and neighbors, as well as those who have lost someone to the disease.”
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a difficult and emotional experience for individuals and their families. However, education, patience, and preparation can help you and your family maintain quality of life and navigate dementia more confidently.
We invite you to explore our memory care communities throughout Alabama and learn how our services can support you and your family. Call Haven Memory Care located in Gulf Shores, Alabama at 251-923-2800
Understanding Dementia and the Importance of Care at HomeDementia is a complex condition that affects millions of individuals and their families worldwide. It encompasses a range of cognitive impairments that can significantly impact daily life, making it essential to understand its nuances and the importance of specialized care for those affected. Homewatch CareGivers of Boulder stands out as a trusted provider of memory care at home, dedicated to supporting dementia patients and their families.Dementia is not a single disease, but a term that describes a range of symptoms associated with a decline in cognitive function. It includes various types, such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia.Individuals with dementia often face common challenges, such as memory loss, difficulty communicating, and impaired reasoning. These challenges can lead to emotional and psychological effects not only on patients, but also on their families, creating a ripple effect of stress and uncertainty.The Benefits of Specialized Home CareOne of the most significant advantages of specialized home care is the development of personalized care plans. At Homewatch CareGivers of Boulder, we recognize that each individual has unique needs. Our caregivers work closely with family members to tailor care that best suits the patient, ensuring that their specific requirements are met. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of inclusion and empowerment among family members, making them active participants in the care process.Additionally, staying in a familiar environment can have a profound impact on dementia patients. Home is where they feel safe and secure, and staying in such a setting can help reduce confusion and anxiety. By providing care at home, we can create a calming atmosphere that encourages comfort and stability.Trained Caregivers for Compassionate SupportOur caregivers are specially trained in dementia care, equipped with the expertise needed to support patients effectively. They possess not only the skills required for daily care but also the empathy and understanding necessary to address the emotional needs of those they care for. Continuous training and support ensure that our caregivers stay updated on the best practices in dementia care, promoting high-quality support for every patient.Enhancing Quality of LifeQuality of life is paramount for dementia patients, and specialized home care plays a crucial role in enhancing it. Our caregivers provide engaging activities and opportunities for social interaction, helping patients stay connected and active.Maintaining daily routines and promoting independence are also key elements of our approach, as they instill a sense of normalcy and purpose in the lives of our clients. Moreover, we offer support to family members, helping them navigate the challenges of caregiving and ensuring they have the resources they need.Reach Out TodaySpecialized home care for dementia patients offers numerous benefits, from personalized care plans to the comfort of a familiar environment. Homewatch CareGivers of Boulder is committed to delivering high-quality memory care tailored to individual needs. We encourage you to consider our services as an option for their loved ones facing the challenges of dementia. Call us with any questions, 844-908-3819.
The Benefits and Services of Non-Medical In-Home CareAs our loved ones age or face health challenges, ensuring their well-being and independence becomes a priority. Non-medical in-home care offers a compassionate solution, providing personalized support in the comfort of home. Homecare Companions specializes in delivering this care, catering to a diverse range of needs with services designed to enhance quality of life and peace of mind.Who Benefits from Non-Medical In-Home Care?Non-medical in-home care is ideal for individuals facing health-related challenges, including: Aging parents who need assistance with daily activities. Those living with chronic or progressive conditions such as ALS, Parkinsons disease, or dementia. Individuals recovering from surgery or rehabilitation after a stroke. Patients with visual impairments, mobility issues, or an increased risk of falls. People navigating the complexities of end-of-life care due to diseases like cancer, heart disease, or COPD. Amputees and others adjusting to significant physical changes. Whether the goal is regaining independence or enhancing comfort during challenging times, in-home care provides tailored support for every unique situation. Core Services Provided by Homecare CompanionsHomecare Companions focus on non-medical services that improve clients daily lives. Key offerings include: Help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and incontinence care. Meal Preparation and Nutrition Support: Cooking, feeding assistance, and ensuring dietary needs are met. Light Housekeeping: Tasks such as laundry, cleaning, and maintaining a tidy home environment. Medication Reminders: Helping clients stay on track with their medication schedules. Transportation Services: Driving clients to medical appointments, grocery stores, or social outings. Companionship: Providing emotional support and reducing feelings of isolation through meaningful interactions. Mobility Support: Helping clients with mobility and transferring. End-of-Life Support: Offering compassionate care and emotional support for patients and families in hospice care. Enhanced Services and CustomizationHomecare Companions also offer additional services to suit individual needs, such as: Personalized Care Plans: Based on a complimentary in-home assessment, tailored care plans address the specific needs of each client. Collaboration with Other Care Providers: Coordinating with home health or hospice care teams to provide seamless, 24/7 support. Insurance Assistance: We are a fully insured, certified and bonded long-term care company. With an RN on staff we can accommodate almost all long term care insurance requirements. FAQs About Non-Medical In-Home Care1. How Much Does It Cost? The cost depends on the level of care, location, and frequency of visits. Contact Homecare Companions for a customized quote.2. Is It Covered by Insurance? Medicare typically doesnt cover non-medical in-home care, but many long-term care insurance policies do. Homecare Companions is certified to meet insurance requirements and can assist with claims.3. How Do I Find a Qualified Caregiver? Homecare Companions carefully vets each caregiver with background checks, reference verification, and training to ensure professionalism and trustworthiness.4. How Can I Arrange Services? Contact Homecare Companions at (251) 699-3441 to schedule a complimentary assessment and create a care plan tailored to your loved ones needs. The Benefits of Homecare CompanionsHaving a homecare companion brings numerous advantages, including: Promoting independence by assisting with daily tasks. Providing genuine companionship to combat loneliness. Reducing stress for families by offering peace of mind. Enhancing overall well-being in the familiarity of home. Whether supporting recovery, navigating chronic conditions, or ensuring comfort during end-of-life care, Homecare Companions are committed to delivering compassionate and comprehensive support. Serving Baldwin and Mobile counties. Contact Homecare Companions today at 251-699-3441 to learn more about how we can assist you and your family!
Audiologist Versus Hearing Aid Dispenser: What is the difference?There are vast differences in the professional roles in diagnosing and treatment of hearing loss. It is still common today for someone to get screened, tested, or fitted with a hearing aid by someone and still not know what qualifications that person had. How do you know who you can trust? An important distinction to understand when treating your hearing loss is the difference between an Audiologist and a hearing aid dispenser. An Audiologist is a Doctor of Audiology who is extensively trained in the science of hearing; while a hearing aid dispenser applies for a license after meeting some basic requirements (see below).Audiologist: An Audiologist is trained to diagnose, treat and monitor disorders of the hearing and balance system. They are trained in anatomy and physiology, amplification devices, cochlear Implants, electrophysiology, acoustics, psychophysics and auditory rehabilitation. Doctors of Audiology complete, at a minimum, an undergraduate and doctoral level degree in audiology, as well as a supervised externship prior to state licensure and national certification. This usually requires 8 years of post-secondary education (4 years of college and 4 years of graduate school). The graduate school years focus on the medical, diagnostic and rehabilitative aspects of hearing loss, hearing aids and the vestibular system. Upon completion of training, Audiologists must also pass a national standardized examination in order to be eligible for state licensure. Continuing education requirements must be met in order for an Audiologist to maintain state licensure.Hearing Aid Dispenser: A hearing aid dispenser is licensed to perform audiometric testing for the sole purpose of selling and fitting hearing aids. In order to obtain a license, hearing aid dispensers are required to pass an exam. Prior to taking the exam, certain requirements must be met, which vary from state to state. In many states, hearing aid dispensers are only required to have a high school diploma. In other states, hearing aid dispensers must complete two years of college or post-secondary education in any field prior to applying for licensure. Some states require completion of distance learning coursework prior to taking the exam.In summary, the requirement for state licensure to dispense hearing aids is based on the minimum education necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the patient. The differences in education required for Audiologists versus hearing aid dispensers reflect the significantly larger range of professional practices that Audiologists are permitted to engage in.Audiologists are highly trained degree professionals. Audiologists receive extensive training in assessment of hearing, diagnosis, fitting and adjustment of hearing aids that helps to ensure: An accurate diagnosis; An appropriate treatment plan of intervention; A positive outcome from the hearing aid. At Naro Audiology & Hearing Solutions, our mission is to provide professional audiological services and hearing health care while developing excellent rapport with our patients by giving individualized attention and personal, compassionate care. We do our best to accurately test and diagnose every patient. For the hearing impaired, we seek to improve quality of life and maximize communication by listening to the patients' needs, accurately diagnosing their hearing loss and providing a vast array of communication solutions and cutting edge technologies to meet the needs of the patient. Naro Audiology serves Bay Minette, Brewton, Fairhope, and Foley. Contact Naro Audiology at 251-758-4326. We are hear for you!
At Homestead Village of Fairhope, our independent living services provide a worry-free lifestyle to those who join our community. Retirement should be about experiencing new and fun adventures, but this can be a challenge if youre juggling the responsibilities of living at home. Our independent living community allows our residents to live their retirement to the fullest; no more worries, no more tenuous tasks! Courtesy Transportation, Home Maintenance & Lawn Care, Private Suites with various floor plans. Located in the heart of beautiful Fairhope and close to grocery stores, restaurants and the magnificent Fairhope sunsets!Community Amentities:Indoor Heated poolThe Movement CenterWellness Center MembershipPrivate Dining RoomResident Recreation RoomsBeauty SalonThe Pub & Grill
Haven Memory Care on Halcyon, located in Montgomery, Alabama, is dedicated to delivering unmatched Alzheimers and dementia care. One of our primary goals is to provide individuals living with memory impairment with a community where they feel at home and comfortable while receiving the attention and care they need to succeed. Our community is designed to improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with Alzheimers disease or another form of dementia. By cultivating a low stress, soothing atmosphere, Haven Memory Care on Halcyon seeks to provide each resident with an experience that is tailored to their goals, abilities, and interests, encouraging as much independence as possible while offering 24/7 support. We provide this care in a safe and supportive environment where residents can thrive. Our team receives specialized training to ensure that every resident is cared for with the utmost respect. At Haven Memory Care on Halcyon, we want to help your loved one get the most out of their days and support them on their journey.Personal AmenitiesDelicious Home Cooked MealsSatellite TelevisionsVigil Monitoring SystemMedication ManagementPersonal Laundry ServicesHousekeeping and Linen ServiceRespite Stays AvailablePrivate ApartmentsBeauty and Barber Shop24/7 Nursing CareDaily Exercise ProgramsStimulating Social Activities
Homestead Village is tucked away in the heart of Fairhope, Alabama, where calming privacy meets convenient amenities. Located two blocks from Thomas Hospital and just a half-mile from grocery stores, dry cleaners, banks, and restaurants, Homestead Village of Fairhope has the support of its extended community. Homestead Village of Fairhope features a wellness center, movement center, indoor heated pool, resident recreation rooms, beauty salon, and an on-site Pub & Grill.Assisted Living at Homestead Village of Fairhope is ideal for residents who may require additional assistance with activities of daily living. Our community provides our residents with personalized care that is tailored to their unique needs and desires because we understand that every resident requires different attention and services. Assisted living in our community does not mean the loss of independence!Our Assisted Living ServicesAssisted Living at Homestead Village of Fairhope was thoughtfully crafted to provide our residents with a friendly, comfortable home among friends, where the benefit of personal assistance is always available. Our residents receive well-balanced meals that are prepared and served in our dining room daily. We put thought into our meal-prepping by providing choices that are familiar and delicious, like home cooking, while paying close attention to special diet needs.Community Amentities:Indoor Heated poolThe Movement CenterWellness Center MembershipPrivate Dining RoomResident Recreation RoomsBeauty SalonThe Pub & Grill