There’s no way to sugarcoat it: dementia and Alzheimer’s are scary, debilitating diseases. They rob people of their memories, personalities, and ability to function as they once did. The last thing you want is for your loved one to suffer in silence—and not know it! But what can you do if they do? The good news is that there are ways to help an older adult with dementia or Alzheimer’s cope and live well. This article will look at when it might be time to get involved and what steps you can take if your loved one doesn’t realize they have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Talk to Your Loved One’s Doctor

An excellent place to start is by talking to your loved one’s doctor. The doctor will be able to assess any symptoms of memory loss or dementia and make treatment recommendations. If the doctor thinks your loved one could benefit from professional help, they may recommend a facility that provides care for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

If you choose assisted living or a memory care community, you needn’t go alone: Ask for help from professionals specializing in these matters! You must get an accurate diagnosis from an expert before making any decision regarding your loved one’s future care needs.

Don’t Panic, Be Patient

Don’t panic. Remember that your loved one is still the same person—with all their memories and personality traits intact. They’ve lost some cognitive function, so they can’t always access them on demand.

If you are worried about handling situations like these in the future, talk to your family member’s doctor or a therapist specializing in dementia care (and if you’re the caregiver, don’t hesitate to ask for help!). And remember: It’s okay to be frustrated or sad when things don’t go as planned, but try not to take it out on your loved one. Stay patient with them because this process is complex enough without someone else adding extra stress into the mix!

Educate Them about Dementia

If you have a loved one who is in denial, there are several things you can do to help them understand their condition. You should start by educating yourself on the signs and symptoms of dementia. Read up on it and make sure you know what to look for. Once your research is complete, sit down with your loved one and explain what dementia is in terms of their specific situation. Let them know it’s not their fault and how the disease can affect them physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially as time passes. Be supportive as they come to terms with this new information about themselves. Try not to judge them too harshly if they’re having trouble accepting it at first—everyone reacts differently when presented with something like this!

Contact a Memory Care in Proximity

If you’re worried about your loved one, you should talk with a memory care community. These communities are great resources for families and individuals seeking help with caregiving, housekeeping, and more. They can help your loved one adjust to their new life, stay active and connect with other people of all ages.