How to Find Support When Your Loved One Has Dementia

Table of Contents

Introduction

If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia, you may be feeling scared, confused, or overwhelmed. You may not know what to expect, how to cope, or where to turn for help. You may also feel alone as if no one understands what you are going through. But you are not alone; hope and support are available for you and your loved one. In this article, you will learn how to find support when your loved one has dementia. You will discover:

What is dementia, and how does it affect families?
Why do you need support as a family member of someone with dementia?
Where can you find support for yourself and your loved one with dementia?
What are some of the best websites to learn about dementia and find resources?

This article will give you more knowledge, confidence, and comfort in dealing with dementia. You will also learn how to connect with people who share your experiences and challenges and can offer you emotional, practical, and informational support. You will realize that you are not alone and can make a difference in your loved one’s life.

What is Dementia, and How Does It Affect Families?

Dementia is a condition that affects the brain and makes it hard for people to remember things, think clearly, and do everyday tasks. There are different types of dementia, and they have other causes. Some of the most common types are:

Alzheimer’s disease: This is the most common type of dementia. It happens when certain proteins build up in the brain and damage the cells that help us remember and learn.
Lewy body dementia: This type of dementia happens when abnormal clumps of protein, called Lewy bodies, form in the brain and affect the cells that control movement, thinking, and mood.
Frontotemporal dementia: This type of dementia happens when the front and side parts of the brain shrink and lose their function. These brain parts are responsible for personality, behavior, and language.

People with dementia may have different symptoms depending on the type and stage of their condition. Some of the common symptoms are:

Memory loss: People with dementia may forget names, dates, events, and places. They may also repeat questions or stories or lose track of time and place.
Confusion: People with dementia may have trouble understanding what is happening around them or following instructions or conversations. They may also mix up words, facts, or people.
Mood and behavior changes: People with dementia may experience changes in their emotions and personality. They may become sad, angry, anxious, or fearful. They may also act differently than usual, being more aggressive, restless, or withdrawn.

Dementia can affect people in various stages, from mild to severe. In the mild stage, people may still be able to do some things independently but may need more help and reminders. In the moderate stage, people may need more assistance with daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, and eating. In the severe stage, people may lose their ability to communicate, recognize their loved ones, or care for themselves.

Dementia can have a significant impact on families who care for their loved ones. Families may face many challenges and stressors, such as:

Emotional stress: Families may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, guilty, or lonely as they cope with the changes and losses caused by dementia. They may also worry about the future or grieve for someone they once knew.
Physical stress: Families may have to deal with the physical demands of caring for someone with dementia, such as lifting, transferring, or bathing them. They may also neglect their health and well-being or have trouble sleeping or relaxing.
Financial stress: Families may have to pay for the medical and care expenses of their loved one with dementia, which can be very costly. They may also have to reduce their work hours or quit, affecting their income and savings.
Social stress: Families may have less time and energy to spend with their friends, hobbies, or other activities. They may also feel isolated or unsupported by their community or society.

Why Do You Need Support as a Family Member of Someone with Dementia?

Caring for someone with dementia can be extremely hard and stressful. You may feel that you must do everything alone and that no one understands your situation. But you are not alone, and you deserve to get support for yourself and your loved one. Here are some reasons why support is essential for you:

Support can help you care for your mental and physical health: When you have support, you can share your feelings, worries, and experiences with others who can listen, comfort, and advise you. You can also learn from others and get tips and resources to cope better. Support can also help you take breaks from caregiving and do things that make you happy and healthy, such as exercising, sleeping, eating well, and having fun.
Support can help you improve your relationship with your loved one. With support, you can learn more about dementia and how it affects your loved one. You can better understand their needs, feelings, and behaviors and communicate with them more effectively. You can also show them more love, patience, and respect and make them feel safe and comfortable. Support can also help you deal with any conflicts or challenges in your relationship, such as changes in roles, responsibilities, or expectations.
Support can help your loved one have a better quality of life: When you have support, you can provide better care for your loved one and meet their physical, emotional, and social needs. You can also help them stay active, engaged, stimulated, and enjoy their hobbies and interests. Support can also help you connect your loved one with other people who have dementia or who can offer them friendship, companionship, or assistance. Support can also help you find the best medical and care options for your loved one and plan for their future.

Where Can You Find Support for Yourself and Your Loved One with Dementia?

One of the best ways to find support is to join a support group. A support group is a group of people who share similar experiences and challenges and who can offer each other emotional, practical, and informational support. There are several types of support groups for family members of individuals with dementia, such as:

In-person groups: These are face-to-face meetings in a certain location, such as a community center, a library, or a church. In-person groups can help you feel more connected and less isolated and allow you to interact with others in a friendly and supportive environment.
Online groups: These groups meet online using websites, forums, chat rooms, or social media platforms. Online groups can help you access support anytime and anywhere, giving you more options and flexibility to choose a group that matches your interests and needs.
Phone groups: These groups meet over the phone, using a conference call or a hotline service. By allowing you to join a group from your home or office, phone groups can help you save time and money and give you more privacy and convenience.
Video conferencing groups: These groups meet using video calls, such as Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime. Video conferencing groups can help you see and hear the other members and give you a more personal and interactive experience.

Many organizations coordinate support groups for family members of individuals with dementia. Some of the most well-known and reputable ones are:

The Alzheimer’s Association is the largest and most influential organization for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. It offers support groups, such as early-stage, caregiver, and young-onset groups.
The Lewy Body Dementia Association: This is the leading organization focused on Lewy body dementia, the second most common type of dementia. It offers several support groups, such as online, phone, and local groups.
The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration is the premier organization devoted to frontotemporal dementia, a rare and often misdiagnosed type of dementia. It offers many support groups, such as online, phone, and regional groups.

Choosing a support group that suits your needs and preferences can significantly improve your satisfaction and outcomes. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a support group:

Size: Some groups may have a few members, while others may have dozens or hundreds. The group size can affect intimacy, participation, and diversity. You may prefer a smaller group with more attention and connection or a larger group with more variety and perspectives.
Frequency: Some groups meet once a week, while others meet once a month or less. The frequency of the group can affect the level of continuity, commitment, and availability. You may prefer a more frequent group if you want more consistency and support or a less frequent group if you want more flexibility and balance.
Format: Some groups may have a structured format, while others may have a more informal one. The format of the group can affect the level of guidance, direction, and feedback. You may prefer a structured group with more organization and clarity or an informal group with more freedom and spontaneity.
Focus: Some groups may have a specific focus, while others may have a more general one. The group’s focus can affect relevance, depth, and breadth. You may prefer a focused group with more specialization and expertise or a general group with more comprehensiveness and diversity.

What are Some of the Best Websites to Learn More About Dementia and Find Resources?

Many websites can help you learn more about dementia and find resources for yourself and your loved one. Some of the best websites are:

Alzheimers.gov is the official government website for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. It offers a lot of information, such as what dementia is, how to diagnose and treat it, how to live with it, and how to find support and services. Its features include articles, videos, podcasts, newsletters, blogs, and more.
National Institute on Aging: This government agency researches and educates on aging and health. It has a section on Alzheimer’s and related dementias, where you can find the latest news, research, and tips on dementia. Its features include articles, videos, podcasts, newsletters, blogs, and more.
Healthline: This website provides health and wellness information and advice. It has a section on dementia, where you can find comprehensive and easy-to-understand guides on different types of dementia, their causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention. Its features include articles, videos, podcasts, newsletters, blogs, and more.
Compassion Crossing: This website has a large and growing number of articles related to several types of dementia.

These websites are beneficial and reliable; you can trust them to provide accurate and up-to-date information. You can explore them and see what they have to offer. You can also bookmark or subscribe to the ones you like so you can access them quickly and get notified of the latest updates.

Conclusion

Dementia is a challenging condition that affects not only the person who has it but also the family members who care for them. As a family member of someone with dementia, you may face many difficulties and hardships, but you don’t have to face them alone. Support is available for you and your loved one, and you can find it differently. You can join a support group to meet and talk to other people who understand what you are going through. You can also visit some of the best websites to learn about dementia and find helpful resources. By finding support, you can improve your health and well-being, your relationship with your loved one, and your loved one’s quality of life. You can also feel more hopeful, confident, and comfortable in dealing with dementia. Remember, you are not alone, and you can make a difference.