It is always a sad moment when a family gets
confirmation that their loved one is suffering from dementia. As this disease progresses, it can actually
be more difficult on the family than on the patient themselves.
In the Beginning
When a patient is diagnosed with dementia, in most
cases they are still fully aware of their medical issues and will most likely
comprehend their newly diagnosed condition. At this point, the patient may want to express their wishes with loved
ones, which can be very difficult. When
a person is aware they are facing a terminal situation, it’s natural that they
want to provide their family with information.
This can be of great benefit for the patient, to share their wishes, and
to ensure their family is aware of what needs to take place in the future. Many family members resist this, insisting
they don’t want to hear anything about their love one passing. If you can offer a solution, it may help all
parties involved to accept the situation.
One option is to suggest a timed discussion between the
patient and their family members. Its
natural the family does not want to dwell on the future, however during the
time that the patient has their faculties, it is only fair to allow them to
express their desires and wishes, such as DNR’s. A one hour discussion should allow ample
amount of time to discuss plans, arrangements, and wishes for a time that the
patient may be unable to make decisions. Everything should be discussed, and then at the end of the one hour, the
conversation can come to an end. That
allows the patient to clear their mind, and the family can give one hour and
then not discuss it again.
Disease Progression
Every patient is different, and dementia progresses at
a variation of speed. On average, a
patient diagnosed with dementia will have a lifespan of about 2 years, however
that is average, some patients live 10 or more. Families may benefit by working
out a plan ahead of time, a schedule if needed, so that a family member can
check on and visit with the patient as often as desired. The family will also need to decide who will
pay bills and provide care, essentially to oversee for the well-being of the
patient. If the patient is still living
at home, or with loved ones, large signs can help and enable independence at
home. A sign for the restroom and the patient’s
bedroom can help them to recall where to go without asking. As the disease progresses, advise about
medications that can help slow the progression down.The medication is available in a patch form
so they are not adding an additional pill.
Also at this stage, it’s very important to see that the
patient’s family has support. A social
worker can help, and there are support groups available to offer great tips and
suggestions, it helps to have others that can relate to what they are going
through.
End Stage Dementia
At this stage of the disease, in many ways their loved
one is already gone. Most families have
accepted the process, and understand that arrangements should be made for plans
after the patient has passed away. Again, this is a time that support or counseling can be of great
benefit, and it may help to suggest it.
One thing that is quite confusing with dementia is
recognizing it in the beginning. We all
reach a point in life that we sometimes forget and misplace things; this is just
a normal part of life. There are tests
that a health care professional can administer; this will help to establish a
baseline cognition guideline for further testing. Forgetting where they parked at the grocery
store is not that unusual, forgetting where they live is a reason for further
testing right away. Dementia can take a
toll on family members as well as the patient, be sure to have support
literature or suggestions ready for the family of the patient. Most hospitals have groups that meet
regularly to offer support, so consult the hospital
social worker to meet with the family.
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