As Donna and John neared their long-awaited retirement, John began having trouble at work. His company offered him early retirement, which he accepted with a mix of relief and regret. At home, Donna began noticing unusual patterns with John, causing Donna to suggest that John visit a neurologist.
At that visit, the neurologist informed him, “We believe you have the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment or any type of dementia is life-changing. However, with planning, preparation and support, navigating this diagnosis can be an empowering journey of hope and encouragement.
“Every week, we talk with folks like John and Donna, who’ve received memory loss diagnoses,” said Sara Perry, executive director of Respite Care Charleston, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. “They assume the worst of the disease is imminent. We share that the journey ahead is long and full of life, joy and opportunities.”
RCC offers three support opportunities for those facing new diagnoses: one-to-one consultations, care partner support groups and Senior Moments, a social, educational support group for those in the early stages of memory loss.
Spouses or adult children of someone with these diagnoses often feel lost in this new reality. Care partners must traverse difficult conversations, such as when their loved one must stop driving, how to plan their financial future and what to do if they have a health crisis of their own.
“Sadly, we receive calls from adult children who discover their parents have lost significant portions of their retirement savings to scammers,” Perry said. “Spouses call when their partner refuses to give up the car keys, though driving is no longer safe. In our free consultations and care partner support groups, we share our years of experience helping family members through these early stages so they can prevent major problems down the road.”
Learning to integrate a new diagnosis of dementia can be isolating. RCC’s Senior Moments groups are designed specifically by and for people in the early stages of memory loss. RCC offers groups where members come for social experiences, disease education and the opportunity to be among peers.
“Senior Moments gives me opportunities to enjoy friendship with others experiencing what I’m experiencing, which I wouldn’t have otherwise encountered,” said Fred, a Senior Moments program member. “We share experiences and learn how to cope with our memory loss.”
Senior Moments offers program members a new community.
“My husband looks forward to this every week and enjoys welcoming new people and the friends he’s made,” said Ruthie, the spouse of a member. “It’s been critical, as his life has narrowed down due to dementia. Former co-workers and friends don’t reach out to him like they used to do. His feeling of being ‘different’ disappears when he’s participating in Senior Moments.”
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, RCC has resources to assist you.
To connect with us, please reach out:
www.respitecarecharleston.org
info@respitecarecharleston.org
843-647-7405
