A Life-Changing Diagnosis
While you probably suspected that a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease was coming, as you made a doctor’s appointment to be tested, but that does not make the confirmation less difficult. Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's is a life-changing event, and you may experience myriad emotions as you look towards the future. BrightStar® Care of Tampa has some advice to help you begin to cope and move forward.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
It is natural to feel grief over the loss of the future you thought you would have. The first step towards coping with the feelings you’re experiencing is to identify them and acknowledge their validity. In addition to grief, you might feel:
- Anger: You may feel anger at the path your life is taking, and your loss of control.
- Relief: It may seem counterintuitive, but it can be a relief to finally get a diagnosis when you have been concerned about your symptoms.
- Denial: A diagnosis of Alzheimer's can be overwhelming, and you may feel unable to believe it.
- Depression: It is understandable to feel sad about the changes you will experience in the course of this disease.
- Resentment: It can be hard to understand why this is happening to you, and it may feel unfair.
- Fear: Knowing what’s to come, and how you and your family will be affected, can bring fear of the future.
- Isolation: You might feel alone in your diagnosis, worried that people will not want to maintain their relationships with you because of what you are going through.
- Loss: As you grieve, you may feel anxious or depressed, as well as finding it hard to accept the changes happening to you.
Find Ways to Cope
As you come to terms with your diagnosis, you must find healthy ways to deal with your emotions. In a way, a diagnosis is power, because gives you a clear picture of what to expect and allows you to take steps to prepare yourself. You can still have a positive and fulfilling life, and the first step is to work through your feelings and take care of yourself. It may help you to keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings, talk about them honestly with your family and friends, or join a support group. The most important thing to do for your emotional and mental wellness is to create a system of support that will help you navigate this unfamiliar territory. Then, take the time to grieve if you need it, but stay engaged, doing the things you enjoy doing for as long as you can do them.
Know What’s Coming
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, you will experience mild impairment. You will probably be forgetful and have difficulty concentrating, learning new things, and following conversations. You may experience mild issues with coordination, and you might find your mood shifting frequently. You won’t need very much help, and you will be able to plan for your future, so you should make the most of this ability. In the middle stage of Alzheimer's, known as moderate Alzheimer's disease, you will still be somewhat aware of your condition but will need help with daily tasks. Focus on your remaining abilities, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when it’s needed. As Alzheimer's progresses to an advanced stage, you will lose your ability to communicate verbally, and nonverbal communication will become more important. You will experience severe cognitive impairment, and will need help with basic daily tasks, like eating, walking and using the toilet.
Plan for the Future
While you may feel overwhelmed by your diagnosis, this is the time to step up and begin making plans for the future. You will need to communicate your wishes through healthcare planning, with advanced directives like a living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare. Your medical decisions to consider include whether or not you want a do not intubate (DNI) order, a do not resuscitate (DNR) order, or other types of orders to let healthcare professionals know your preferences regarding life-sustaining and life-supporting treatments. Think about whether you want to be an organ and tissue donor, and whether you want to donate your brain for scientific research, so that researchers might learn to better understand Alzheimer's. You will also need to make financial plans, with documents like a will, a living trust, and a durable power of attorney for finances. Long-term care planning is wise, too, because you will likely require care, either in-home or at a facility, as your disease progresses. As you plan, talk to your family members, making sure to keep them in the loop about your decisions. Make sure your important papers are organized and kept in a safe place, and that a trusted person knows where they are.
BrightStar Care® of Tampa Offers Support and Assistance
When you are making long-term care plans, consider receiving care within the familiar surroundings of your own home. At BrightStar Care of Tampa, we offer a wide range of home care and medical staffing services, providing the right support to fit each client’s unique needs. Because we understand that memory care needs are different for different people, we provide personalized in-home Alzheimer's and dementia care and support. With our variety of high-quality, compassionate care and our unparalleled support for our local healthcare system, we give more, not just to the people we serve but also to our community. We strive to make our clients’ lives the best they can possibly be while making the Tampa community stronger than ever, and we are honored to have won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry, both locally and nationally. From our nurses and caregivers to our office team and staff, everyone on the BrightStar Care of Tampa team cares deeply about providing the kind of high-quality care and support that truly make a difference in people’s lives. For more information about our care and services, call 813.692.1021 or contact us through our website.