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Who To Tell

Although you might not feel like it, it’s best to share your news of your dementia sooner rather than later.

Ideally, you’ll have had someone with you when you received your dementia diagnosis – but if that hasn’t happened, it’s better to tell loved ones as soon as possible.

If you did have someone with you when you were told about your dementia, you can get them on board with talking to your wider circle.

There are lots of things to think about when you first find out that you have dementia and sharing with others, giving them jobs to do to help you 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.

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When do I tell my family I have dementia?

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.

 

Source: https://www.dementiauk.org/wp-content/uploads/dementia-uk-after-diagnosis-next-steps.pdf?_gl=1*10qnjqg*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxM46GdUoDA8vmc7dQH1XLaZQ2wUrggnI9yaqpw8Rv_S8iImrxcVRSBoCUQ8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Source: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/dementia-diagnosis/how-to-get-dementia-diagnosis#:~:text=Talk%20to%20your%20GP,to%20help%20describe%20any%20symptoms.

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/dementia-diagnosis/how-to-get-dementia-diagnosis/dementia-assessment-with-gp

Who do I need to tell that I have dementia?

You’ve found out you have dementia, so what’s the best thing to do next? 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 <Link to How to get a 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.

  • 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 that 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 < https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla/y/driving-and-medical-issues> 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

Source:

https://www.dementiauk.org/wp-content/uploads/dementia-uk-after-diagnosis-next-steps.pdf?_gl=1*10qnjqg*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwr7ayBhAPEiwA6EIGxM46GdUoDA8vmc7dQH1XLaZQ2wUrggnI9yaqpw8Rv_S8iImrxcVRSBoCUQ8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds