How to Deal with a Loved One's Dementia Diagnosis

What steps should you take when you learn that a family member might have dementia?

Here are some helpful tips to ease you through the process:

1. Visit a Neurologist

Make an appointment with a neurologist and tag along to take notes, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of the diagnosis and treatment plans.Depending on the specific diagnosis (slow progressing or rapid), the neurologist will recommend different treatment options.Your loved one needs an advocate. Make sure that you, a close family member, or friend is present at all doctor visits. You will also need to ensure that medication is administered properly and all necessary follow-ups are pursued.

2. Discuss the Future

Soon after the diagnosis, sit down with your loved one and the family to plan ahead for the future.While they still are in control, you should discuss what they expect from you, emotionally, physically, and financially. You also should talk about the possibility of hiring outside caregivers, and how and when you would seek their assistance.Would your loved one prefer a group setting or staying at home? These conversations are never easy.

3. Review Financial and Legal Documents

Review all necessary financial and legal documents together, including insurance policies, wills, bank statements, pensions, deeds, trusts, benefits, and other financial data. Make sure that no important documents slip through the cracks and make a list of all relevant usernames and passwords.If at all possible, seek legal help.

4. Hire a Certified Elder Law Attorney

When your loved one is still in control of their faculties, it’s wise to seek out professional legal help.A certified elder law attorney can assist you in putting all legal and financial affairs in order.

Certified elder law attorneys can assist with:

• getting you access to your loved one's bank accounts and funds
• setting you up as the point person any legal or financial matters such as Social Security
• determining which services are applicable: Medicare, long-term care insurance
• showing you how to apply for benefits, Medicaid, Veteran's Benefits

Not only do they provide much-needed expertise, they can navigate the application process quicker and more efficiently than you could, saving you money in the process.

5. Seek Out Geriatric Advisors

Besides hiring an attorney, elder care advisors guide you in choosing senior care housing options:

• adult day care
• in-home aides
• memory care housing
• geriatric care managers
• placement agencies

Most advisors provide their services for free. They pay close attention to your present and future needs. Most importantly, they help you maintain an element of control in planning for the future.

Setting You and Them Up for Success

At New Jersey Elder Law Center at Goldberg Law Group, we have both the knowledge and compassion to ease you through this difficult time.We understand that dementia is a scary diagnosis. You and your loved one may need some time to mourn the future you both envisioned.Our team will help you to prepare for the future but also provide support and encouragement.Enjoy the now: take that trip you always wanted, go for a walk, enjoy each other's company. Make memories that you will cherish.Please reach out to us. We're here to help you through this.