Dementia is a complex condition with a lot of unknowns, and these unknowns become scary if someone you love has been diagnosed with a type of dementia.

• What happens now?
• How is this going to affect their quality of life?
• Can Mom still live alone if she has dementia?

These questions may even tempt you to cling to the “ignorance is bliss” philosophy, but it is important to educate yourself on dementia and the specific condition that is affecting your family to fully understand health needs, care, and support.

The Pavilion Senior Living offers memory care and other senior living services throughout Tennessee, and our team is sharing why dementia education matters.

Take on an Active Role in Managing Care

Once you know more about how dementia will affect your loved one and your family, you will be more confident in making decisions that best support their overall health and wellness.

This allows you to actively manage their condition and ensure their preferences are heard and considered. If you understand their diagnosis, you will be better able to:

• Have discussions with their doctor
• Be prepared for changes in behavior
• Make important care and treatment decisions
• Prepare for the future regarding financial and legal plans

Recognize New Symptoms Early

Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms and effects worsen over time. Learning about a diagnosis allows you to know what to expect and be on the lookout for changes in your loved one’s cognitive function. If you notice any new changes, you can take immediate action by talking to a doctor and adjusting the care plan accordingly to help delay further decline.

If you did not have a “dementia education” and started noticing your loved one behaving differently, you may not realize this is a common sign of the condition.

Accept a Diagnosis

It’s natural to fear the unknown, but by learning as much as you can about dementia, you can learn to accept a dementia diagnosis and come to terms with this next chapter of your loved one’s life.

Accepting your diagnosis and learning as much about it as you can enables you to reevaluate priorities in life, set goals for the things you want to accomplish with your loved one, and help them continue to lead a life of love, joy, and purpose.

You are taking back control and not letting dementia define your family.

Spread Awareness and Reduce the Stigma

While dementia is a widely known condition, the nuances and care practices that benefit a person living with dementia are not as widely known.

You have the opportunity to be an example for others. If you share your dementia education with others, they can be aware of common symptoms to look out for in their loved ones and seek treatment early to delay further cognitive decline.

This continued education can inspire to others and help reduce the stigma surrounding dementia.

Memory Care in Tennessee

The Pavilion Senior Living proudly offers compassionate Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Our team members are trained on managing the challenges associated with memory loss and impairment. We focus on providing person-centered care to each resident and family we serve.

Our memory care neighborhoods provide a safe and secure environment designed to meet each resident’s needs. All of our activities encourage engagement, connection, and social wellness and are designed to enhance quality of life while promoting cognitive function.

Our memory care programs include:

• Specialized Programming
• Secure Living Environment
• Assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
• Caring and Supportive Team Members
• Medication Management

While learning about dementia is important, there is a lot of information out there, and it can be overwhelming if you are beginning to conduct your research. Take your time and learn at your own pace. Plus, the act of learning something new and keeping your brain active is a good way to promote brain health and cognitive function.

If you want to learn more about our memory care communities throughout Tennessee, we invite you to visit our website or contact The Pavilion Senior Living.