What if I have dementia?

A diagnosis of dementia comes as a shock. Even if you have been half expecting it, this will be a worrying and upsetting time. It will also be hard for those close to you. You will all need a great deal of reassurance and support. However, there is much that you can do in the early stages that will help to make life easier and more enjoyable, both now and in the future.

You will want to remain as independent as you can for as long as possible. Although you will gradually need an increasing amount of help it is important to make sure that other people don’t take over your life when you can still manage it. Make sure, too, that you are consulted on matters which concern you. You should have the opportunity to make your own choices for as long as you can. It is essential that you retain your confidence and self-esteem.

Talking things over

You will need to discuss plans for the future with those who are closest to you and with certain professionals.

If your family and friends do not already know about your diagnosis, try to tell them as soon as possible. They may not believe you at first because they are so upset by the news. Try to discuss matters in a calm way.
It helps if you can talk about your own wishes for the future. But try not to ask people to make promises now that may be difficult to keep in the future.
It may help if you can talk to someone you trust outside the family about your feelings.

Putting your affairs in order

Now is the time to make sure that any important documents such as details of your mortgage or tenancy agreement, insurance policies, bank statements or building society books are in order and can easily be found. Go through all the details with a member of your family, partner or trusted friend.

Sort out any recent bills, guarantees and regular payments. It might be a good idea to arrange to pay your regular household bills by direct debit if you are not already doing so. Details of how to do this are given on each bill.
Look again at your will and make sure that it expresses your wishes, or consult a solicitor about making a new will.
Make an Enduring Power of Attorney, if you have not already done so. This enables you to appoint one or two people to manage your affairs in your best interests if it becomes necessary.

Work

If you are still at work you are probably finding it stressful. There may be an opportunity to switch to a less demanding job or to reduce your hours. Whatever the situation you will probably need to think about leaving work fairly soon.

You will need expert advice on your pension rights if an occupational pension is due to you. It may be possible to negotiate a lump sum.
Before leaving work, check on benefits that you or your family may be entitled to. If necessary, your personnel department or manager should be able to help you make enquiries.

Services

Look at what services are available. Even if you don’t need them now they may be useful in the future. Those closest to you should not take on all the responsibility for helping you.

Contact your local social services department for details of services that they can arrange. Find out about a community care assessment. Social services departments are listed in the phone book under the name of read more