Coping With a Life-Changing Diagnosis

Author

Right at Home Delta

Posted on

Sep 13, 2022

Book/Edition

Colorado - Western Slope

An older adult notices symptom that suggests a health problem. Their doctor performs an examination, tests, and arrives at a diagnosis. It might be a health condition that will surely change the patient’s life, such as dementia, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease or a progressive vision loss. 

What’s next? “Steps taken now can affect their well-being as they move forward,” says David McKendry, Owner of Right at Home. 

After a diagnosis a patient often experiences stages of grief, including shock, denial, and anger. These emotions can lead to depression. Yet for the patient, spouse and or family members, receiving a diagnosis also can bring a sense of relief and reduce anxiety from worrying. Steps in facing the emotional challenges of a diagnosis are talking to family and friends for support, consult a counselor, and joining a support group - these help the patient cope and have a sense of control. 

Patients initially feel helpless and resigned to their fate, it’s much better to confront the diagnosis head on and focus on a plan of action. The goal is to move from “Why me?” to “What can I do?” Family members can take charge by learning all they can about the condition, discuss the prognosis and care plan with the health team, get organized financially (directives for financial and health matters), bring in experts (financial planners, elder law attorney’s, aging life care professionals), and support family caregivers to share the care tasks. 

Early on, consider whether the patient’s home will continue to meet their needs as those needs change. Though sometimes it is best to move to a skilled supportive living environment, most patients prefer to receive care in their own homes with a non-medical in-home caregiver assistance like Right at Home. We help with bathing and dressing, grocery shopping, preparing nutritious meals, transportation, help coordinate doctor appointments, provide health care reminders and more. 

“Professional in-home care also supports the well-being of family,” says McKendry. “These services allow them to spend more time focusing on their relationship and things that are meaningful in life.” 

 

Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by David McKendry, owner of Right at Home. He can be reached at 970-697-1331 or by email at: david@gjhomecare.com

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