SHARING & CARING

Messages of hope and support for those concerned that dementia may be affecting their own lives or that of someone close by JUNE & BRIAN HENNELL 01453 827565

EARLY DAYS

1. CONCERNS…. keep brief & detailed notes of what happens when, to/with whom & the outcomes (eg. aggression, remorse, anxiety, withdrawal, joy )

2. TRY NOT TO ARGUE with each other about the problems/difficulties

3. PREPARE, with others if necessary, written questions to which you need answers. Add to them as issues arise.

4. BE BRAVE and take to your GP the written details ( at 1 & 3 above ). If you are referred to a Memory Assessment Service via your GP ask for as much information about the service as possible to prepare you.

DIAGNOSIS

5. IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT & TRY NOT TO PANIC. On receipt of a diagnosis take a deep breath. Sometimes reality needn’t be as scary as the unknown.

6. TAKE YOUR TIME. You may feel grief, as if bereaved. It may help to remember that many persons suffer from dementia and live well. Some view diagnosis as a chance to make changes, to re-assess and move on to a different but equally OK life, perhaps by simplifying it. Nothing will be the same again but it needn’t be lots worse. There is much to think about before you move on but you will know when that time is. Ask for help if you are unsure about the things you need to consider.

MOVING ON

7. CHOOSE. As soon as you feel ready, try to identify, with others if desired, what you wish/need to do first, then maybe second and third. This will help you to seek the right information for you at the right time, ie. just-in-time to meet your needs. This may be from local authorities, the NHS and voluntary organisations such as the Alzheimers Society instead of being over-whelmed by information.

8. NOTES Let sticky post-it notes help you. Jot down anything you need to remember and stick them up where they’ll best remind you…. in good time.

9. DREAM about those hobbies never explored and consider whether it is time for your creative side to emerge, at whatever level you can achieve & enjoy.

10. CAPTURE the best that each day has to bring in your own scrap or story book as a permanent reminder of a life well worth living. This will also help those wanting to assist you with personal care plans if needs arise. They may not !