A dementia diagnosis can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. You might be overwhelmed, unsure what to do next, or even feeling a mix of fear, grief, and love all at once. These feelings are normal — and you’re not alone.
At blueBell Village, we support caregivers like you every day. Whether you’re a spouse, child, grandchild, or close friend, this guide is here to help you take the next steps with confidence and care.
1. Take a Breath — You Don’t Have to Figure It All Out Today
A dementia diagnosis doesn’t mean everything changes overnight. Often, people in the early stages of dementia are still quite independent. What’s important now is to learn, prepare, and build a support system that can grow with your loved one’s needs.
2. Learn About the Type of Dementia
Not all dementias are the same. Alzheimer’s, Lewy body, vascular, and frontotemporal dementia each have different patterns, symptoms, and care approaches. Ask the diagnosing doctor for clarity, and don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion if things feel uncertain.
Tip: Write down symptoms you’ve noticed (or use blueBell Connect to track)— it helps when speaking with health providers.
3. Start the Conversation Early
Talk openly with your loved one about their wishes. Early on, many people with dementia can still share how they want to be supported. Topics to gently explore include:
- How they feel about the diagnosis
- What they want for their care
- Who they trust to make decisions in the future
These conversations may be emotional, but having them early can reduce stress later.
4. Build a Care Team
You do not need to do this alone. A care team might include:
- Family members and close friends
- Doctors and specialists
- In-home care providers or dementia support services
- A care coordinator — or a platform like blueBell Connect that helps everyone stay on the same page
Even having one or two people you trust involved from the start can make a difference.
5. Plan Ahead, Bit by Bit
Planning doesn’t have to happen all at once. But over time, it helps to:
- Prepare legal documents (power of attorney, healthcare directives)
- Learn about home care options in your area
- Consider how routines might need to shift
- Look into supports for you as the caregiver, too
6. Take Care of Yourself, Too
This journey can be heavy — but also filled with moments of deep connection and meaning. Prioritize your own wellbeing. Rest. Eat well. Talk to someone you trust. And remember: asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
7. Use Tools That Make Care Easier
Dementia care is complex. Tools like blueBell Connect are designed to:
- Help organize your care team
- Provide personalized, culturally relevant recommendations
- Ensure everyone involved knows what’s happening — and what’s next
You don’t have to do it all by memory or text group chats anymore.
Need Help Right Away? We’re Here.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, reach out. At blueBell Village, we support families just like yours — through technology, education, and connection. Contact us at info@blueBellVillage.ca
