Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar

Ask Joy: Finding a Positive Path through Dementia

A
By April Bradford
  • Replies 14
Note from the Editor:
This article was kindly written for the SDC by retired psychologist/ member @Joy Straw.

There is a great deal of fear associated with the word dementia. Fear that you may or may not have this, or your loved one may or may not have this, and the inevitable ‘what will happen in the future’. If you’re on this path, there are a couple of things you can do to help ease the confusion and fear.

First and foremost, finding out if you or your loved one has dementia and then learning about this disease. There will not be a diagnosis in this article, but I’m hoping it will show you a pathway that will help answer some questions and lead you to finding more of your own answers.

The first thing to do is find out if you or your loved one has dementia. There’s little point in sitting there, hoping that it’s not going to happen, putting your head in the sand and hoping it will all go away. Fear can be our biggest enemy, but information can be our support. Dementia comes in many shapes and forms.

If you suspect there is a problem, these are what you should look for and note down.

Last edited:
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: NicholaM, Knell, MIZMAC and 9 others
Click to expand...
Sponsored
Sponsored

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content
Aussies Over 60 Could Get Health Cover From $3.22/Day*
For eligible Aussies, the starting cost of a combined hospital & extras policy comes in at under $23 / week (or $3.22 per day) once the government health rebate has been claimed.
Get A Free Quote*
Born Before 1964? You Could Get Affordable Health Cover*
For eligible Aussies, the starting cost of a combined hospital & extras policy comes in at under $24 / week (or $3.39 per day) once the government health rebate has been claimed.
Read more*
April Bradford said:
Note from the Editor:
This article was kindly written for the SDC by retired psychologist/ member @Joy Straw.

There is a great deal of fear associated with the word dementia. Fear that you may or may not have this, or your loved one may or may not have this, and the inevitable ‘what will happen in the future’. If you’re on this path, there are a couple of things you can do to help ease the confusion and fear.

First and foremost, finding out if you or your loved one has dementia and then learning about this disease. There will not be a diagnosis in this article, but I’m hoping it will show you a pathway that will help answer some questions and lead you to finding more of your own answers.

The first thing to do is find out if you or your loved one has dementia. There’s little point in sitting there, hoping that it’s not going to happen, putting your head in the sand and hoping it will all go away. Fear can be our biggest enemy, but information can be our support. Dementia comes in many shapes and forms.

If you suspect there is a problem, these are what you should look for and note down.

I ve been working with people with dementia for almost 20 years now, but recently I spend time with a friend who has been diagnosed with it, and it is another level. Seeing someone close to you going through those changes, getting frustrated and angry ... even if you ve been trained to handle these situations and are doing the hopefully right thing on autopilot... it hurts to see a loved one so confused! And I always said: At least I can go home at the end of the day! The partner/family can not!
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: Joy Straw, johno cpfc, NicholaM and 3 others
April Bradford said:
Note from the Editor:
This article was kindly written for the SDC by retired psychologist/ member @Joy Straw.

There is a great deal of fear associated with the word dementia. Fear that you may or may not have this, or your loved one may or may not have this, and the inevitable ‘what will happen in the future’. If you’re on this path, there are a couple of things you can do to help ease the confusion and fear.

First and foremost, finding out if you or your loved one has dementia and then learning about this disease. There will not be a diagnosis in this article, but I’m hoping it will show you a pathway that will help answer some questions and lead you to finding more of your own answers.

The first thing to do is find out if you or your loved one has dementia. There’s little point in sitting there, hoping that it’s not going to happen, putting your head in the sand and hoping it will all go away. Fear can be our biggest enemy, but information can be our support. Dementia comes in many shapes and forms.

If you suspect there is a problem, these are what you should look for and note down.

  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: Joy Straw, Knell, MIZMAC and 2 others
April Bradford said:
Note from the Editor:
This article was kindly written for the SDC by retired psychologist/ member @Joy Straw.

There is a great deal of fear associated with the word dementia. Fear that you may or may not have this, or your loved one may or may not have this, and the inevitable ‘what will happen in the future’. If you’re on this path, there are a couple of things you can do to help ease the confusion and fear.

First and foremost, finding out if you or your loved one has dementia and then learning about this disease. There will not be a diagnosis in this article, but I’m hoping it will show you a pathway that will help answer some questions and lead you to finding more of your own answers.

The first thing to do is find out if you or your loved one has dementia. There’s little point in sitting there, hoping that it’s not going to happen, putting your head in the sand and hoping it will all go away. Fear can be our biggest enemy, but information can be our support. Dementia comes in many shapes and forms.

If you suspect there is a problem, these are what you should look for and note down.

  • Haha
  • Like
Reactions: Knell and Leenie
April Bradford said:
Note from the Editor:
This article was kindly written for the SDC by retired psychologist/ member @Joy Straw.

There is a great deal of fear associated with the word dementia. Fear that you may or may not have this, or your loved one may or may not have this, and the inevitable ‘what will happen in the future’. If you’re on this path, there are a couple of things you can do to help ease the confusion and fear.

First and foremost, finding out if you or your loved one has dementia and then learning about this disease. There will not be a diagnosis in this article, but I’m hoping it will show you a pathway that will help answer some questions and lead you to finding more of your own answers.

The first thing to do is find out if you or your loved one has dementia. There’s little point in sitting there, hoping that it’s not going to happen, putting your head in the sand and hoping it will all go away. Fear can be our biggest enemy, but information can be our support. Dementia comes in many shapes and forms.

If you suspect there is a problem, these are what you should look for and note down.

  • Love
  • Like
Reactions: Joy Straw and Knell
Thank you,Joy. My mother and now my beloved sister and my brother both have this horrible thing. I can’t begin to tell you how much I despise this creeping menace that takes so much from us in such a horrible manner. For those of us who care for our loved ones….you die a little every day,as they do. Every. Damned. Day. I’m not coping. I’m angry and sad all the time but I’m good when dealing with the “sibs”. It just breaks my heart. It’s so,so bloody cruel.
 
  • Sad
Reactions: johno cpfc, NicholaM, Knell and 1 other person
maxesmum said:
Thank you,Joy. My mother and now my beloved sister and my brother both have this horrible thing. I can’t begin to tell you how much I despise this creeping menace that takes so much from us in such a horrible manner. For those of us who care for our loved ones….you die a little every day,as they do. Every. Damned. Day. I’m not coping. I’m angry and sad all the time but I’m good when dealing with the “sibs”. It just breaks my heart. It’s so,so bloody cruel.
Click to expand...
I have just started on this journey with my darling wife of 59 years and i am struggling with it at the moment and i have to stop and wait before answering her strange questions but i try not to get angry as i know she already knows the answer to them but the dementia is getting in the way. I love her deeply and am i bit scared and anxious about what is going to happen in the not so distant future . She has accepted the diagnosis at the moment so we are just going about our normal day to day things and hoping for the best.
 
  • Like
  • Love
  • Sad
Reactions: Joy Straw, KatKop and maxesmum
johno cpfc said:
I have just started on this journey with my darling wife of 59 years and i am struggling with it at the moment and i have to stop and wait before answering her strange questions but i try not to get angry as i know she already knows the answer to them but the dementia is getting in the way. I love her deeply and am i bit scared and anxious about what is going to happen in the not so distant future . She has accepted the diagnosis at the moment so we are just going about our normal day to day things and hoping for the best.
Click to expand...
Hey,johno,if you ever want to chat,need a shoulder,whatever,message me. Sometimes it’s good to have someone outside the family to have a whinge to….or a cry. Cheers to you and your darling wife and bless you for taking her on her challenging journey.
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: Joy Straw and KatKop
maxesmum said:
Thank you,Joy. My mother and now my beloved sister and my brother both have this horrible thing. I can’t begin to tell you how much I despise this creeping menace that takes so much from us in such a horrible manner. For those of us who care for our loved ones….you die a little every day,as they do. Every. Damned. Day. I’m not coping. I’m angry and sad all the time but I’m good when dealing with the “sibs”. It just breaks my heart. It’s so,so bloody cruel.
Click to expand...
Dear Maxesmum, it is a soul sucking illness an I’m so sorry you are going through this. My closest friend is also going through this with her husband and even though I know a lot of facts it doesn’t lessen the emotional impact that watching someone you love go through this. Please read the article on Grief and take care of yourself this is a slow and long journey Joy
 
johno cpfc said:
I have just started on this journey with my darling wife of 59 years and i am struggling with it at the moment and i have to stop and wait before answering her strange questions but i try not to get angry as i know she already knows the answer to them but the dementia is getting in the way. I love her deeply and am i bit scared and anxious about what is going to happen in the not so distant future . She has accepted the diagnosis at the moment so we are just going about our normal day to day things and hoping for the best.
Click to expand...
Dear John this is not usually a fast journey but it is an exhausting journey, both physically and emotionally. Several people I know have copied the “How to respond “ table and put on their fridge so they can remind themselves how best to avoid clashes. Please remember that you darling wife is still in their and your love will never be lost it will however be hidden behind all that Dementia throws at you. Please look after yourself my thoughts are with you Joy ❤️‍🩹
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
Register Now Member Login

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
Full Forum Listing

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

Main Menu

Home Privacy policy Terms and rules Contact us

User Menu

Login

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Community platform by XenForo® © 2010-2023 XenForo Ltd. | Style and add-ons by ThemeHouse | Please note that no information we provide constitutes financial advice. The Seniors Discount Club is a free resource, supported by advertising. We're committed to being 100% transparent & honest about where we make money. If you see an asterisk (*) next to one of our links, it means we have a commercial relationship with that business. SDC may receive a commission on purchases made through our Amazon links. | The Seniors Discount Club is not affiliated with any Australian State and Territory governments. If you are are looking for your state or territories official programs, please select one of the following links: NSW VIC SA WA TAS QLD NT ACT | Media embeds via s9e/MediaSites
Top Bottom
Back
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×