Being told the news that a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia can be a difficult pill to swallow. Mental and behavioral changes are common with this disease, and it’s normal to feel as though you have lost the person you knew as the illness progresses. The good news is that the disease can be slowed down if it is diagnosed early, so treatments can be prescribed and allow them to retain their normal psychological state for an extra few years. As a caregiver, it can be difficult to know what to do to ensure your loved one’s needs are taken care of. Therefore, it can be helpful to know some key tips to keep in mind when a relative has been diagnosed with the disease.

1. Do your research

You may never have had to take care of someone with dementia before, so it’s likely the effects of the disease are completely new to you. It’s impossible to know what to expect on a day-to-day basis until you’re months or even years into the diagnosis. Unlike other illnesses, you cannot simply rely on your instinct as sometimes the most plausible thing to do is incorrect in the eyes of the patient. In order to cope with the progressive nature of dementia, it’s important to realize that the disease is highly unpredictable, and therefore, you’ll need to be flexible and understanding to help you cope. Change is relentless, which is why you would find it beneficial to educate yourself on the outlook of the disease to help you get prepared for the long road ahead.

2. Know when to seek help

You may be doing everything in your power to ensure your loved one has everything they need, but there may come a time when you need extra support during the worst stages of the disease. You should never be forced to go it alone. Reach out to friends and family or search for in-home care options in the early stages of the disease. As your loved one’s condition starts to worsen, though, they may be best in a memory care community such as Spring Meadows, which offers around-the-clock care from trained dementia specialists

3. Understand the communication changes

As the disease starts to progress, you may notice that your loved one will be communicating in a different way to what you may be used to. People with dementia typically find it extremely difficult to convey emotions and understand language, which can lead to frustration and upset. Instead of showing annoyance when communication is challenging, simply aim to understand what they’re trying to tell you, either by asking questions or signaling to objects around the room that may relate to their thoughts. There are also certain things that you should never say to a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Make yourself aware of these as soon as you can.

4. Explain dementia to your children

Children are extremely instinctive, and they will instantly notice when a shift in behavior has occurred. You may notice that they’re acting differently around the dementia patient or are asking questions concerning their mannerisms. It would be a good idea to briefly explain the disease and express that they’re still the exact same person inside. Inspire them to assist you with caregiving, so they are much more likely to adapt to the changes slowly.