If you could go back in time to the point where you, or the person you care for, were first diagnosed what do you wish you could tell yourself?
It's now coming up to 11 years since my dad was first diagnosed with dementia and for me that was the time when we were really floundering in the dark, not doing what to do next. Although when my mum was diagnosed some 9 years later we were provided with a lot more information many people still come on to TP looking for pointers in those early days and weeks.
I thought it would be useful to compile a list for people who have just received a diagnosis. It might be practical things such as
or it might be more general things, such as
What do you wish you'd known?
It's now coming up to 11 years since my dad was first diagnosed with dementia and for me that was the time when we were really floundering in the dark, not doing what to do next. Although when my mum was diagnosed some 9 years later we were provided with a lot more information many people still come on to TP looking for pointers in those early days and weeks.
I thought it would be useful to compile a list for people who have just received a diagnosis. It might be practical things such as
- getting your legal affairs (will, powers of attorney) in order
- how assistive technology might help (or might not!)
- dealing with medical professionals and social services
or it might be more general things, such as
- compassionate communication
- how to plan for the future
What do you wish you'd known?
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