When a loved one is diagnosed with memory loss or dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, it can feel like a big emotional blow to everyone in the family. You might experience a mix of different feelings, such as shock, sadness, and worry about the future of your loved one. You may also feel a sense of confusion and helplessness yourself. You may wonder, where you can get answers to your many questions about your loved one’s dementia care.
While memory loss is an emotional topic no matter what, the good news is that there are a lot of resources available to help you and your family cope with this new situation. We’re listing a few of the most helpful memory care resources in the Palm-Aire, FL, area below.
Local Support Groups
There are various local support groups in South Florida. The Area Agency on Aging of Broward County website has several support groups listed that can help both aging adults, as well as their loved ones and caregivers, to cope with the new circumstances. It’s recommended to look through all the available groups to see which may be suitable for your needs. You might also want to call the groups directly to make sure their meeting schedule is still up to date.
Online Support Groups
If your situation prevents you from attending a live support group, consider reaching out to online support groups. Online support groups can help connect you to other people experiencing similar emotional or physical struggles related to memory loss. The benefit of an online support group is the flexibility to join and participate at your own speed. You can also often retain a good degree of anonymity should you feel more comfortable that way. ALZConnected by The Alzheimer's Association® is one example that provides accessible options for online support groups and communities.
Alzheimer's and Dementia Associations
The Alzheimer's Association is one of the largest networks nationwide for anyone looking to connect around the cause of dementia. They offer lots of information and materials, as well as ways to connect with others or helpful organizations. They also have specific resources for Southeast Florida, which can help Broward County residents connect to places close to home.
Another valuable non-profit organization is The Dementia Society of America®, which offers a wealth of information and resources to both aging adults and their families.
Memory Care Communities
If you’re looking for a more direct way for your loved one to enjoy and embrace their life with memory loss, a dementia care community can be a great option. When you help your loved one find a memory care community, they love and feel comfortable in, their life opens up a host of new possibilities. Living in a caring senior living community in Palm-Aire, your loved one gets access to some of the best dementia caregivers right by their side.
Another benefit of living in a memory care community is that residents get to connect with their peers and form new friendships. This part of retirement community living is often one of the most cherished aspects of senior living community residents. Your loved one will also get to enjoy tailored activities and events that can help them stay engaged and thriving – regardless of their memory loss.
When you’re ready to find your loved one the right dementia care community in the Pompano Beach area, it’s important to know what to look for so you can find a community that fits your unique needs.
Dementia Care Activities
The right type of activities that keep your loved one living with dementia active and engaged are essential. An aging senior who experiences memory loss doesn’t suddenly have fewer interests or enjoy stimulating their mind anymore. It’s actually quite the opposite. Finding the right activities may seem tricky at first. But thankfully, there are many resources available that list some of the best activities to try with your loved one with memory loss. It’s suggested to try a few different activities based on your loved one’s preferences, needs, and responses. And you can switch things up as you notice them enjoying certain things more or less.
Having to deal with a diagnosis of dementia is never easy. Luckily, there are many resources available to help you and your loved one hopefully make the situation a little easier.
Do you have more questions, or wish for more guidance around the topic of memory loss? Take a look at our Caregiver’s Complete Guide to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care. In it you’ll find helpful information around dementia symptoms and the disease’s progression. You can also read about warning signs to look out for in your loved one’s daily life and find information on dementia care options. Get your free copy of the guide here!
