There are lots of things to think about when you first find out that you have dementia and sharing with others and splitting to-do lists based on what people are good at, is less stressful than going it alone.
You might find that you have someone in your life who has a good idea about who might be best at helping with practical matters, or who would be better suited to helping you set up a Power of Attorney. It’s best to start thinking about the future now so that you have everything in order and don’t need to worry.
Telling people about your diagnosis
After receiving a dementia diagnosis it’s important you think about telling people so you can receive support and all the information you need to empower yourself and plan for the future. Here are some things to think about when it comes to telling others.
When to talk to those close to you
Finding the right time and words to share your diagnosis news with family and friends can be tricky. But it’s important to let them know you have dementia because it means they can offer support, wherever and whenever you might need it.
Knowledge is power and helps you and your loved ones prepare for what to expect in the future. Living with dementia can be isolating – but sharing with others lightens the load – it means everyone’s aware of what’s happening and what steps need to be taken next.
Articles:
When shall I tell my family I have dementia?
Who do I tell that I have dementia?
Who do I tell I might have dementia?
Who else to tell
After telling family, friends and loved ones, there are some key things that it’s best to start now. Here’s a handy checklist:
Start planning
Now’s a really good time to have a think about your future finances and health and care wishes.
The best way to do this is to arrange a Lasting Power of Attorney – a legal document that nominates one or two people (such as family/friends) who in the future can make decisions on your behalf. Discuss this with the people you’d like to nominate so that everyone is clear what it is you would like.
There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney:
Health and welfare
Property and financial
Putting these documents in place means that your wishes will be respected.
Tell your employer
If you’re still working, let your employer know that you’ve been diagnosed with dementia so they can support you. Dementia is classified as a disability, which means you have legal protection from being discriminated against at work. You can read more about that here
Still driving? Let the DVLA know
If you’re a driver you must let the DVLA and your insurer know about your dementia diagnosis. This doesn’t mean you’ll automatically lose your licence or have to stop driving. You might find that a short-term licence can be issued and renewed either yearly or every two or five years. You can contact the DVLA by clicking here or by calling 0300 790 6806.
Write down what you would like to happen
It’s a great idea to think about what you would like to happen to you in the future and write it down. Creating a document and sharing it with loved ones means you’ll all have a written record to refer to. This means they’ll be no confusion later on. If you need help to do this, ask a trusted friend or family member.
Things to consider include:
How you’d like to be cared for in future
What kind of medical treatment you would or would not like to have
An easy way to do this is with our handy and secure online planner, which helps you get your personal affairs in order and plans in place. Some of the things you can do in the planner include create a care plan, upload your Power of Attorney details, store and share important documents and create a personalised checklist, so the people you choose to share it with will know what's important to you. Click here for more details.
I think I might have dementia – who should I tell?
If you suspect you might have dementia but haven’t been diagnosed, it’s a good idea to share your thoughts with someone you trust. There are different types of dementia and not all have the same symptoms, so it’s important you don’t self-diagnose and instead see your GP for an initial assessment.
By telling someone you’ll be accessing support from the off – and that person may be able to go along with you to your appointment, too. They might also be able to help you share your news with others, if you’re finding that hard to do.
Taking someone along to a GP appointment is highly recommended. It’s also useful to write a list of symptoms that are worrying you – your friend or family member can help you with this. Don’t forget to note down a record of any pre-existing conditions and medications that you are taking, including other-the-counter ones and any supplements or herbal remedies.
The GP may do a physical check-up, test your memory and thinking and share their findings with you at the end. Having support at this time is important as they will tell you what the next steps will be.
If you think you might have dementia but haven’t been diagnosed, read more here