When a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis, it can be overwhelming and emotional for you and your family. Dementia brings many uncertainties about your loved one’s future and well-being, but it also opens the door to finding the right support and care to ensure they continue living a meaningful life.
At Bellaire at Stone Port, we understand that a dementia diagnosis doesn’t mean life should stop. Our memory care community in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is designed to help residents thrive in a safe, nurturing environment. If you’re not sure where to start after receiving a diagnosis, here are four important steps to take.
Step 1: Acceptance and Emotional Recognition
It’s natural to feel a range of emotions—anger, sadness, fear, or frustration—after receiving news of a dementia diagnosis. It’s important to give yourself time to process these feelings. Recognizing and accepting these emotions allows you to move forward in a healthy way, rather than letting the situation overwhelm you.
By accepting the diagnosis, you can begin to create a care plan that supports your loved one, enabling them to live a full and engaging life despite the challenges of dementia. Bellaire at Stone Port offers the resources and support needed to help you navigate this process.
Step 2: Educate Yourself on Dementia
Understanding dementia is key to providing the best care for your loved one. After a diagnosis, you may feel overwhelmed by the information provided by doctors, but doing your own research can help clarify what lies ahead.
Dementia progresses in stages, starting from mild symptoms like occasional memory lapses to more severe issues that affect daily functioning. Learning about these stages helps you prepare for the future and ensures you can provide the right support at each stage. Early on, your loved one may still maintain their independence, but later stages may require more comprehensive care.
At Bellaire at Stone Port, our team is specially trained in memory care, offering personalized support tailored to each stage of dementia, so your loved one can continue to live with dignity and joy.
Step 3: Build a Support System
Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, and you don’t have to do it alone. Finding a solid support system can make a significant difference. While friends and family may be well-intentioned, they may not always understand the complexities of dementia or know how to offer the support you need.
Connecting with a dementia support group is a great way to meet others going through similar experiences. Support groups provide a safe, judgment-free space to share stories, ask questions, and learn from others who are facing the same challenges. These networks offer both emotional comfort and practical advice for caregivers.
In addition to support groups, Bellaire at Stone Port’s memory care team is here to offer guidance and a shoulder to lean on as you navigate the caregiving journey.
Step 4: Explore Care Options
As dementia progresses, your loved one will need more assistance with everyday activities. That’s why it’s important to begin exploring long-term care options as early as possible. Involving your loved one in these decisions ensures that their preferences and concerns are addressed, helping them feel more in control of their future.
Conversations about caregiving, financial arrangements, and legal documentation—such as estate planning or appointing a trusted person to make decisions on their behalf—are critical at this stage. Planning ahead will make the transition to professional care smoother and reduce stress down the road.
While taking on the role of a primary caregiver may seem like a natural choice, caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding. Over time, caregiver stress can affect both your well-being and the quality of care you provide.
Fortunately, Bellaire at Stone Port offers exceptional memory care services designed to relieve you of these challenges. Our team provides 24/7 personalized care, offering a comfortable, home-like setting where your loved one can experience fulfilling, meaningful interactions each day. With programs that focus on engagement and connection, we aim to ensure that every resident continues to enjoy the special moments that life has to offer.
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be difficult, but at Bellaire at Stone Port, we believe that with the right care, your loved one can continue to live a life full of purpose and joy. To learn more about our memory care community in Harrisonburg, Virginia, or to schedule a visit, reach out to us today. We’re here to help you every step of the way.