Dear Eric: I was a lawyer when I started to have memory problems at the age of 65. I retired and then learned that I had a rare devastating dementia with a very short useful life. Instead of providing me, my friends disappeared from my life, at the time I needed them more. Friends can gather around you when you have cancer, leading to chemo treatments, leaving food and other things to give you support; When you have dementia, everyone only disappears.
I have always been a sociable person and I lack so much, but I have no idea how or where to start. Any idea?
– left by friends
Dear friends: People sometimes don’t know what to do or say when they face the disease, but this is not an excuse for the behavior of your friends and sorry. The Alzheimer’s Association (Alz.org) has a large amount of resources for people with dementia, including support groups, both online and in person. Being able to talk to others about what you are experiencing and feeling will help the isolation.
This can also be a time to explore new volunteer opportunities or social groups that have nothing to do with dementia, according to your care and skills plan. You are a person who deserves a connection, with a lot of experiences and knowledge from which others can benefit. Your company would be welcomed in a senior center, a local exit group or an organization that aligns with your interests and values. If you have an anxiety to browse these spaces with dementia or you need accommodation to feel -sure, feel free to contact in advance and talk to a group leader about how you can participate more comfortably.
(Send questions to R. Eric Thomas to Eric@askingic.com or PO Box 22474, Philadelphia, Pa 19110. Follow it on Instagram and register -in his weekly newsletter at Rerithomas.com.)
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