Understanding The Dementia Journey: The Second Stage of Dementia

Dementia is a progressive condition that can manifest itself differently from person to person.

The second or middle stage of dementia is typically the longest and can last for many years. Individuals may experience mild to moderate cognitive decline and behavioral changes during this stage.

During this stage, it’s crucial to start making decisions about healthcare, finances, and legal matters. Individuals need to make sure their loved ones are aware of their needs and expectations.

Whether it’s yourself, a close acquaintance, or a loved one who’s in the early stages of mild cognitive improvement or has been diagnosed with dementia, understanding each stage of this complex disease is crucial.

A dementia diagnosis is devastating for the individuals and their loved ones. At this stage of dementia, education, planning, finding support, resources, and preparation are crucial to managing the disease and living your best life.

Making a Dementia Care Plan

The second stage of dementia is the optimal time to create a comprehensive care plan for yourself or a loved one. During these early stages, individuals can make decisions concerning their current and future care.

Creating a care plan benefits the individual with dementia and gives their family direction and the confidence of knowing that the decisions they're making are what their loved one prefers.

Discuss your expectations and wishes in depth with any family members who will be involved with your care.

Set up a discussion with your physician or neurologist to ensure your family is educated and understands the complexities and progression of the disease.

Your care plan should include the following:

Legal Planning

Organizing and taking care of legal matters is especially vital for a person diagnosed with dementia. An elder law attorney is a great place to start after a dementia diagnosis.

Elder law attorneys can help individuals with dementia and families navigate medical, legal, and financial matters, including creating a will, power of attorney, and healthcare surrogate.

Healthcare Planning

It’s crucial for individuals with dementia to take care of their health and maintain control.

Dementia presents health challenges at every stage, but the early stages are the best time to establish a well-organized healthcare plan.

Before creating your healthcare plan, consider the following:

• Types of care you prefer, including in-home health services, assisted living, and memory care
• Types of assistance you currently require
• How long would you like to work
• Healthcare information, including physician, healthcare surrogate, medical history, emergency contacts, and insurance information
• When do you want support to start

Healthcare Surrogate

Choose a trusted and responsible family member or friend as your healthcare surrogate.

Have an in-depth conversation with your surrogate, physician, and lawyer to manage expectations and to make sure your preferences are clear.

Discuss this with your family, and ensure they know who you’ve chosen as your healthcare surrogate.

A healthcare surrogate (aka healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney) is a person designated to make healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated. Your healthcare surrogate has legal authority to speak with your doctors, manage your medical care, and make medical decisions.

Financial Planning

Financial planning is critical for individuals in the early stages of dementia. This protects your money and guides trusted family members if you lose the ability to manage your finances.

Your financial plan should include:

• A budget listing monthly expenses, including medical care, housing, and personal care
• Financial information, including checking and savings information, account login info, financial advisor, and mortgage information
• Insurance information, including life, health, and long-term care
• A financial plan for long-term care
• Assets and investment information, including 401k, pension, stocks and bonds
  
  

Coping with Dementia

A dementia diagnosis can be devastating to individuals and their loved ones. Fear, anxiety, and depression are common during this stage. Educating yourself about the diagnosis and stages will make a difference.

It’s important to understand that an early diagnosis is not a death sentence, and progressions are individualized. Everyone’s dementia journey is unique, and many people with dementia can live a good life and maintain a lot of independence for many years.

Dementia, whether it’s Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, is a process with several stages that are different for each type of dementia. There can be many years to live your best life, whatever that looks like for you.

It’s natural to worry about the future, but try to focus on the present and live your best life!

Speak with your physician and educate yourself on ways to remain physically and mentally healthy and active. Physical exercise, socialization, and activities that preserve brain and cognitive health are critical!

Resources & Support

Navigating dementia can be emotionally and physically taxing. Individuals with dementia, their families, and caregivers need resources and support for guidance and ask questions.

Fortunately, numerous resources and support services are available for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

Remember, you’re not alone. Dementia support groups are an excellent resource for connecting with people who understand what you’re going through, give advice, or listen.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a fantastic resource for finding help and support groups in your area.

Other helpful resources include:

• Your Physician
• Local hospitals
• Churches
• Professional therapists
• Online websites
• Senior centers

Wrap-up

Dementia brings significant challenges at every stage, but with the right care plan and resources, you can receive the support needed for yourself or a loved one.

There are outstanding professionals, support groups, and organizations available to guide you through this journey.

Being proactive, educated, and prepared during the second stage of dementia can make all the difference in living your best life!

While it may feel scary or overwhelming, remember that you can live a good and independent life for many years.