What are the questions to ask seniors after a dementia diagnosis? Dementia and Alzheimer’s remain among the most common conditions affecting seniors. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that over 6.7 million people have Alzheimer’s, with the number expected to double by 2060.

Getting a dementia diagnosis can be very troubling. However, with the right resources and knowledge, you can manage the condition well and even slow down the progression of cognitive decline. TerraBella Northridge, an assisted living community in Raleigh, NC, offers the perfect environment, enhancing care planning and providing emotional support for seniors.

Let’s explore dementia family questions to ask seniors after a diagnosis.

1. What Type of Dementia Do You Have?

Dementia is a complex condition that comprises different diseases with varying symptoms. Some of the types of dementia include:

Alzheimer’s disease
Dementia with Lewy bodies
Vascular dementia
Frontotemporal dementia
Mixed dementia

Early-onset dementia is also another condition that seniors may be diagnosed with if they develop symptoms before the age of 65. Understanding the type of dementia is useful for care planning and understanding what you can expect as the condition progresses.

Early stages of most cases of dementia are usually marked by difficulty concentrating and short-term memory loss. In addition, personality changes may also occur as the symptoms become more severe.

Knowing the type of dementia is also essential for early Alzheimer’s planning because it helps you know the care implications. TerraBella Northridge assisted living can help you plan for care depending on the type of dementia diagnosis.

2. What Financial or Legal Plans Have You Made?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the long-term care costs of living with dementia will likely reach $384 billion by the end of this year. Getting diagnosed with dementia necessitates making legal and financial plans that can help you prepare for the cost of care.

Legal plans involve designating a healthcare proxy with the power of attorney. Seniors should choose someone they trust to honor their wishes and act in their best interest. Further, they should create a living will that will specify their wishes in the advanced stages of the disease.

Assess the cost of care and begin making plans to ensure they’re affordable and cater to your needs. Some of the steps you can take to prepare financially include:

Determining the value of your loved one’s assets
Exploring and purchasing long-term care insurance
Involving family members

Prepare legal and financial affairs early to avoid crises and mitigate against unforeseen risks. Talking to aging parents about their care plans after a dementia diagnosis helps streamline costs and ensures you have the necessary resources to address the condition.

The home care option is often preferred because it seems cheaper. However, at-home care costs can quickly spiral out of control as needs evolve. Assisted living in Northridge, NC, offers packages that can comprehensively address the needs of seniors with dementia.

3. What Stage Is the Dementia in?

Dementia is a progressive condition, so seniors diagnosed with the condition should ask their physician what stage they’re in. Knowing the stage of dementia can help you apply informed care planning tips that can improve your loved one’s well-being.

The main stages of dementia include:

Early
Middle
Late and advanced stages

Mild symptoms often mark the early stage of dementia. Advanced stages of dementia have more severe symptoms, and seniors will likely require memory care support. TerraBella Senior Living offers specialized memory care programs to help seniors retain their independence.

4. What Are the Treatment Options for Dementia?

One of the main questions seniors should ask after a dementia diagnosis is, “What is the treatment plan?” Although dementia currently has no cure, the treatment options available often focus on managing the condition’s symptoms and enhancing the quality of life.

There are also certain medications that seniors can take to manage dementia. Cholinesterase inhibitors are the common drugs used to treat dementia. The drugs you’ll take will vary depending on the type of dementia you have.

TerraBella Northridge assisted living community offers different living programs, one of which is focused on residents’ medical well-being. The staff takes a multi-faceted approach to wellness, with the goal of improving seniors’ physical and mental health.

5. What Can Be Done to Slow Down Cognitive Decline?

The National Institutes of Health estimates that about 42% of Americans above the age of 55 will likely develop dementia. A dementia diagnosis doesn’t mean you have to lose all cognitive function.

Some of the best strategies to preserve cognitive abilities even after a dementia diagnosis include:

Learning a new skill or hobby
Participating in physical activity and workouts
Eating a nutritious diet
Stay socially active

Reputable assisted living communities have the best environment for dementia patients to explore different cognitive stimulating activities.

6. How Fast Does Dementia Progress?

How fast dementia progresses depends on different factors. These include:

Genetics
Age
Lifestyle

The type of dementia will also affect how quickly the condition progresses. Some patients may experience relative stability across different stages of dementia. However, some may have an unpredictable progression pattern with periods of lucidity occurring after significant decline and memory loss.

7. When Should We Move You to an Assisted Living or Memory Care Community?

Waiting too long can increase costs and make it more difficult to address your loved one’s needs. Some of the signs your loved one should transition to an assisted living community include:

Growing safety risks at home
Cognitive decline through signs such as memory loss
Social withdrawal and isolation
Inability to perform activities of daily living

Choose an assisted living community offering memory care programs for a smoother transition when your needs evolve.

Learn the Questions to Ask Seniors After a Dementia Diagnosis Today

Knowing what questions to ask seniors after a dementia diagnosis is key to determining the right care plan. The complex care needs of dementia necessitate a multi-faceted approach to care that focuses on physical, spiritual, and mental well-being.

At TerraBella Northridge, we have an innovative wellness program that prioritizes the needs of our residents. Our highly trained staff specializes in providing memory care services to dementia patients while personalizing activities tailored to improve their quality of life.