Resources to Help Cope with Alzheimer’s
Living with Alzheimer’s: You are Not Alone
You receive the heavy diagnosis: Alzheimer’s Disease. You go through the beginning stages of emotions that follow. You then start to come around to the reality of the situation, and into acceptance. Now you are ready to move forward and get into a new normal routine in life. Just because you or a loved one is living with Alzheimer‘s does NOT by any means mean that you cannot live a successful and fulfilled life. Below are tips on how to help with this new life you are now living.
- Talk to your family and friends about it. They may also be dealing with it, and they may also feel afraid to talk to you about it, so make that first step.
- Journal: Start at the very beginning, and write down everything you are thinking and feeling.
- Share those feelings you have written down with loved ones and close friends. Grief is a part of the process of accepting Alzheimer’s, and grief is something to be shared about and being honest about what emotions you are processing.
- Talk to your doctor about seeking professional help. If you feel emotionally unstable, do NOT self diagnose. Talk to your doctor.
- Counseling: Seek professional help from a counslor or clergy member to help you to cope with everything that you are feeling.
- Support groups: Becoming a part of an early onset support group can really help you get your barrings as you settle into your new normal. Research your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter for more information on these types of support groups.
- Your emotional surroundings: Surround yourself with stability. Find a good support system in friends and family who are ready to walk this path with you, who understand it, and are ready and willing to help every step along the way.
- Continue the normal as much as possible. Continuing to do the daily things you have always loved will help keep spirits up and staying active will have a huge positive mental affect on you as you go through Alzheimer’s. Take the time to grieve the loss, but do not get stuck in it, and return to your life, because although different, it is still your life, and it is a good one.