LIFE WITH DEMENTIA BRINGS CHALLENGES
Overcoming the 3 Biggest Obstacles
You will experience many changes in your life after you or a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis. It can significantly change your plans for the future. Where you were once experiencing excitement and anticipation about retirement, you may now be filled with anxiety, stress, and even depression. A dementia diagnosis does not need to conjure up feelings of dread, however. Proper planning can change how you and your loved ones live for the better going forward. There are three common obstacles that make this situation difficult for people to navigate. They are your finances, home environment, and support system. Your financial situation can cause stress after a dementia diagnosis, as you will need to plan for long-term care. The average cost of long-term care in New Jersey is $14,000 a month, which most can’t afford. There are three options to pay for long-term care. You either pay this monthly fee yourself, use long-term care insurance — if you planned
ahead and bought long-term care insurance before your diagnosis — or you can apply for Medicaid. The Medicaid application process can be confusing, so contact us if you need any help. The next obstacle patients recently diagnosed with dementia must navigate is adapting their home
environment. Most people want to remain at home during these years instead of going to an assisted living facility. It’s possible, but you must prepare appropriately. From keeping doors closed to labeling hot and cold water faucets, you need to do a lot to keep yourself or your loved one safe. The final obstacle is establishing a strong support system. This is a must for those planning to stay at home. You may need someone to bathe, groom, or feed you consistently. Sometimes, communication can
break down, but you’ll still need someone to stand by your side and support you.
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be difficult, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the coming years. By planning, adapting, and overcoming these obstacles, you’ll put yourself in the best position. At Van Dyck Law Group, our team is specially trained in helping you adapt your plans after a dementia diagnosis. If you want more information, you can check out our blog or attend one of the upcoming classes at our Education Center.
Cod and Asparagus Bake
Van Dyck Law Group Education Center’s Upcoming Events Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Seminars These events are open to health care professionals only and cost $200 to attend. Please call 609-580-1044 or email admin@vandyckfirm.com to register. All seminars take place between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. • April 27 at Care One Hamilton, 1660 Whitehorse Hamilton Square Rd, Hamilton, NJ 08690 • May 10 at the Education Center at Van Dyck Law Group • June 20 at Above and Beyond Training Center, 1152 St. Georges Avenue, Avenel, NJ 07001 Community Education Topics (Open to the Public) • April 12, 10 a.m.: When the Diagnosis is Dementia — 3 Action Steps That You Should Take Right Now • May 10, 10 a.m.: Using Creativity in Dementia Care • June 13, 10 a.m.: The Dementia Journey For more information about these events, please see Page 2 of the newsletter!
INGREDIENTS • Oil for baking pan • 4 4-oz cod fillets • 1 lb thin asparagus, trimmed • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved • 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest • 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. In a 15x10x1-inch baking pan brushed with oil, place cod, asparagus, and tomatoes. 2. Brush cod with lemon juice, then sprinkle with lemon zest. Sprinkle cod and vegetables with Romano cheese. Bake until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 12 minutes. 3. Remove pan from oven; preheat broiler. Broil cod mixture 3-4 inches from the heat source until vegetables are lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
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