It can be extremely difficult coping with the delivery of a new Dementia diagnosis. As the one being diagnosed, it is important that you allow yourself to feel all the emotions that are sure to rush over you and eventually work on finding a healthy way to manage them. Along with the patient, caregivers and family can also be deeply impacted by this news even if they anticipated it. It is completely normal for everyone involved to feel overwhelmed, stressed, sad, angry, and even more of these strong feelings. Just remember that you are not alone.
Once comfortable enough to move forward, make sure you ask your doctor all the possible questions you may have so that you know what to expect for the future. There are groups you can join and refer to when you do not know what to do or ask, and other people who have gone through the same thing can provide helpful tips and information.
There are plenty of early-stage Alzheimer’s support groups that can help combat any isolated feelings. Offering both in-person and online meetings, many are available that cater to caregivers and those living with this diagnosis. Certain organizations offer an array of resources for both the patient and their caregiver(s), and our new Transitions LifeCare Dementia Resources page has an abundance of helpful information and materials all in one place.
These options will help connect those struggling with Dementia and their loved ones to others who understand and can help navigate the challenges that come with it. Although nothing can make this journey easy or stress-free, there are a few resources to help you navigate its difficulty.
Included below is information and free resources to help guide and support you or your loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. As you navigate the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia, or facing your own memory challenges, our mission is to provide you with the support, information, and tools you need. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call our Care Navigation team at 919.828.0890 for free guidance.
Resources & helpful information
Resources for Individuals Living with Dementia and Their Loved Ones
Video resources from Dementia Alliance of NC
Early Stages of Dementia
Part 2 Middle Stages of Dementia
Mild Dementia
Moderate Stages of Dementia
Late Stage Dementia
Progression of Dementia
Normal Aging vs. Dementia
Types of Dementia
Behavioral Symptom in Dementia
Hallucinations & Delusions
Empathetic Communication
Communication and Dementia
Learning to understand the WHY of behaviors: The 6 P’s
Tips & Suggestions to Make Your World More Dementia Friendly
Refusing to Accept Help
Showing Love for People Living with Dementia
Dementia Alliance of NC
Dementia Alliance of North Carolina is the state’s go-to resource for local support, information, and education about Dementia-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s. The majority of their programs and services are available at no cost to individuals in North Carolina.
Support programs include care consultations, caregiver assistance grants, support groups, education, and a vast network of other community resources.
Phone: 919-832-3732 Website: dementianc.org
Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s Association offers training and caregiver support. The 24/7 hotline especially helpful with de-escalation of agitated dementia patients and support for caregivers.
24/7 Hotline: 800-272-3900 website: alz.org/nc
Duke Dementia Family Support Program
Duke Dementia Family Support Program provides education, support, and engagement opportunities to individuals living with dementia and their families. Services are free of charge and no affiliation with Duke Health is required.
Phone: 919-660-7510 website: dukefamilysupport.org
The Center for Volunteer Caregiving
The Center for Volunteer Caregiving programs include respite volunteers, transportation, and education.
Phone: 919-460-0567 website: volunteercaregiving.org
Resources for Seniors (Wake County only)
Resources for Seniors provides general resources and services for senior adults.
Phone: 919-872-7933 website: resourcesforseniors.com
The Durham Center for Senior Life
The Durham Center for Senior Life can assist with respite services for caregivers of older adults living with Dementia/Alzheimer’s.
Phone: 919-688-8247 website: dcslnc.org
The Community and Senior Services of Johnston County
The Community and Senior Services of Johnston County provides respite, support groups, and resources for caregivers.
Phone: 919-934-6066 website: cssjohnston.org
Alzheimers.gov
Resources for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related Dementias.
Phone: 800-438-4380 website: alzheimers.gov
National Institute on Aging
Alzheimer’s disease publications available for ordering.
website: order.nia.nih.gov
LifeCare Memory Partners
A variety of educational offerings for every caregiver, regardless of where they are in their caregiving journey.
phone: 800-733-1476 website: lifecarememorypartners.org
Family Caregiver Alliance
Resources on a variety of topics; understanding dementia, dealing with difficult behavior changes caused by dementia, assisting a person with dementia with daily activities such as bathing, dental care, incontinence, and nutrition; what to do about driving, working with caregiver frustration, and much more!
phone: 800.445.8106 website: caregiver.org/