Has your older parent or aging loved one recently been diagnosed with dementia? For many families, learning that someone they love is suffering from memory loss can be a lot to process. However, regardless of the emotions you experience, it’s essential for family members to understand what steps to take in order to develop a successful care plan and prepare for the future.
At Vista Grande Villa, we understand that coping with this new diagnosis can be an emotionally challenging journey that requires patience and careful planning. We’ve outlined some tips on how to properly care for a loved one with dementia and how memory care can help.
Educate Yourself
Following the diagnosis, take time to educate yourself about your loved one’s specific type of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Start to learn as much as you can about the symptoms, progression, and potential challenges associated with that specific type of dementia. Acquiring more knowledge will help you make informed decisions about your loved one’s care.
In addition to understanding dementia, it is also important that you learn how to best support your loved one, especially during the early stages of the disease. The goal should be to help them foster their independence and autonomy while continuing to maintain their current lifestyle for as long as possible.
Ask questions like:
- How quickly will the disease progress?
- Is it safe for my loved one to live at home?
- What treatment options are available?
- What services or support options are available for families?
Explore Memory Care Options
Dementia is a progressive illness, which means your loved one will likely need full-time support in the future. For this reason, it’s best to start making long-term care plans shortly after the diagnosis so that your senior parent can participate in the decision-making process. In most cases, it’s better to move your loved one to memory care sooner than later. An early transition will give them time to get comfortable in their new space while they are still able to understand the changes. It also enables family members to release their caregiver responsibilities, which allows for more precious time to spend together as family.
Memory care communities are an ideal option for people living with dementia. At Vista Grande Villa, we provide a safe and secure environment where residents can receive the care and assistance they need to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Our dedicated care team is specially trained to deal with older adults with dementia. This allows residents to receive the best possible care and treatment.
As you tour different communities, ask these important questions:
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
- What are the qualifications of the care staff?
- How are changes in a resident’s condition handled?
- What kind of activities and amenities are available for residents?
- How does the community deal with aggressive behaviors from residents?
- What is the policy on visitors?
Get Support
Other people have been in your shoes. If nothing else, Alzheimer’s and dementia support groups offer the comfort of knowing you’re not alone. At Vista, family members can join our monthly dementia support group to connect with others and learn from their experiences—people who understand first-hand what you’re going through and can help reduce feelings of isolation, fear and hopelessness.
Person-centered Memory Care at Vista Grande Villa
Receiving a dementia diagnosis is an emotional experience. However, with the right approach and support, your loved one can still experience a life full of purpose, joy, and independence.
At Vista, our custom, memory care program, ASAP, equips caregivers to serve your loved one’s individual needs. We build meaningful relationships with residents and ensure their environment supports and celebrates their capabilities. We invite you to contact our team to learn more about our community, memory care services, and what life is like for residents at Vista Grande Villa!
