Coping with a Diagnosis
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Facing Dementia: Important Information for Caregivers and Older Adults
How does dementia impact your life? If you are caring for a loved one suffering from an age-related cognitive disease, you may feel the impact daily. Dementia takes a toll on both caregivers and those afflicted, and the prospect of dementia may bring up fears about your own and your loved one’s future.
About This Course
Practical information for financial preparedness and tips for physical an emotional care may help you as a caregiver or a concerned older adult. You’ll find here financial and healthcare suggestions that may help you manage the caregiver role, prepare when faced with a diagnosis, and nurture wellness as you age:
- Caregiver tips and insights
- Possible caregiving costs and links to financial resources
- Important documents
- Information on physical activity, nutrition, and brain health
Whether you are looking for help as a caregiver or anticipating possibilities that might lie ahead, knowledge about financial and healthcare preparedness and resources may provide comfort and assistance at a time of need.
Duration
Approximately 20 minutes
Additional Details
We always hope that the results of a diagnostic procedure, physical exam, or lab evaluation will bring good news. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. A disappointing, frightening, or inconclusive prognosis can leave you feeling confused and shaken. In addition to dealing with the emotional impact of the news, you will need to make critical decisions regarding your treatment. All of this can be an overwhelming process. Here are some things to think about.
Understand your treatment
Take the time to research and understand your prognosis. Having knowledge about your condition can allow you to make effective decisions about your treatment. Understanding your treatment options can help you feel like you have more control and increase your ability to cope.
Before moving forward with any major medical procedure, be sure you know what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. If possible, explore other options and get a second opinion. Prior to surgery, for example, ask questions about:
- Alternative and less-invasive treatments
- The surgeon’s experience with your specific condition and the surgery required
- The typical length of recovery and what to expect during recovery
- The expected outcome
- Problems and side effects that have been reported
Have a family member or friend with you during these discussions to help you take notes and ask follow-up questions.
Is your condition chronic?
Seek advice from your doctor or a medical professional to decipher whether your condition is chronic or not. Your doctor can provide you with advice and guidance that can help you adjust to an ongoing or chronic condition.
These are some questions to ask about living with a chronic condition:
- What should I do to manage my condition?
- How much exercise should I get each day?
- Are there any foods I should avoid or have more of?
- Are there any drug-nutrient interactions that I should be aware of?
- Is there any alternative to taking the prescribed medication?
- Is it safe to take this medication with the others I take?
- What are the side effects of this new medication?
- What health screening tests do I need now and in the future?
Use your support system
Use your support system to help with the process of finding treatment and assign tasks that can help alleviate the burden on you. Your loved ones and community can help provide support, relief, and guidance through this overwhelming time.
Additional benefits that can help
These services are included as part of your Medical Trust health plan.
Quantum Care—Healthcare Simplified
Active members
Quantum’s care coordinators—nurses, benefits experts, and claims specialists familiar with our membership and our plans—are an integral part of the medical, prescription, vision, and behavioral health coverage (including the Employee Assistance Program) of our Anthem and Cigna enrollees and their eligible dependents.*
Retirees and caregivers
As a single point of contact, Quantum Health simplifies the healthcare experience for retirees, their families, and caregivers by connecting them with the resources they need to access their benefits, either with UnitedHealthcare or a Cariloop Care Coach.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential, 24-hour service that connects you with counselors to help you with immediate health needs and with assistance for therapy referrals, tips for balancing your personal and professional life, legal consultations, financial services, and much more.
*Members covered by Kaiser Permanente and by the Hawaii Medical Service Association have comprehensive services as part of their plans and will not use the services of Quantum Health. Neither will members with dental-only (Delta) plans, disability-only (Aflac) plans or the standalone EAP.
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