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HOMER GLEN—At Victorian Village, we assist many families dealing with dementia — and we know that it isn’t an easy road. While the person living with dementia has a difficult journey, the family also often feels overwhelmed. Therefore, we strive to be as helpful, compassionate, and supportive as possible. We implement the type of active memory care programming in our community that will bring peace of mind to the family and comfort to the resident.
Often, people don’t know where to begin in their journey with dementia. Here are just a few questions that come up when facing a dementia diagnosis.
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Q: How do I know if my loved one has dementia?
A: Different types of dementia present with different symptoms. Common early signs of dementia include memory loss that disrupts daily life, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, poor judgment, withdrawal from social activities, and changes in mood or personality. A medical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s — or another disease that causes dementia — requires losses in two or more cognitive domains. A doctor can help determine if that applies to your loved one. It’s important to remember that many medical conditions (urinary tract infections, prescription reactions, brain tumors) can mimic the symptoms of dementia, so a doctor’s input is crucial.
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Q: If my loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, how do we plan for the future?
A: Families will need to look at safe housing and consider the best place for their loved one to live. They will also need to decide how long it’s safe for their family member to drive. Other things to consider include financial and healthcare implications — specifically, appointing a power of attorney while your loved one is still able to make the decision. These are emotionally charged decisions, and often the information is best received from a physician, who can be an objective source.
Q: How does Victorian Village assist a client with dementia symptoms?
A: There are many ways, but some of the most important include adjusting communication, reducing fall risks, and promoting a sense of control.
Our staff is trained to understand how dementia symptoms affect communication, including the ways we communicate. We know that what is factually correct does not matter; it’s the person’s feelings that matter most. So we focus on what puts them at ease.
Since people with dementia are at a greater risk for falls, we train staff to anticipate what their needs would be whenever possible. We know we can’t eliminate falls, but we aim to reduce risks when possible.
We also simplify things, but we don’t take away choice. Our job is to help our residents maintain their own abilities and support them in areas where they are struggling.
If you’re looking for more information about how Victorian Village can assist your family, reach out to us to learn about our specialized Memory Care at (708) 301-0800 or VV@provlife.com. You can also learn more about our continuing care community at www.VictorianVillage.com.
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