When someone you love is diagnosed with dementia, it can feel like the world has shifted in an instant. The questions, emotions, and uncertainty about what comes next can be overwhelming.
Dementia affects more than the person who receives the diagnosis—it touches the entire family. That’s why we’ve created this guide with five important steps to take after a dementia diagnosis so you can find support, access helpful resources, and begin planning for the journey ahead with confidence and care.
Need peace of mind? We’re here to help.
Step 1: Learn About Dementia & Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but there are several types, each affecting thinking, behavior, and physical health in different ways. Learning about your loved one’s specific diagnosis helps you approach care with patience and empathy.
What Dementia Can Change:
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Thinking & decision-making – Confusion, disorientation, and difficulty making choices may come and go.
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Emotions & behavior – Agitation, anxiety, or depression are common and sometimes directed at loved ones.
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Physical abilities – Walking, swallowing, and other daily tasks can gradually become more difficult.
Helpful Resource:
Edgewood offers tools and insights to guide you every step of the way. One of our most helpful resources is the Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease guide—a simple, easy-to-understand introduction to dementia for families just beginning this journey.
You can also explore our Edgewood Resources page for more practical advice, caregiving tips, and ways to bring comfort and connection to your loved one’s life.
And for around-the-clock support, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900 to answer questions and provide guidance whenever you need it.
Step 2: Build Your Care Team
The next step after a dementia diagnosis is to rally your support system. Family, friends, neighbors, church members, or even your bridge club—every helping hand counts. No one needs to be an expert to offer help, but having a good basic knowledge of dementia is very important. Encourage your teammates to learn all that they can.
Step 3: Clarify Roles & Responsibilities
Dementia care works best when there’s a plan. Sit down as a team to decide who will help with:
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Daily care – Managing meals, medications, hygiene, and safety needs. If care needs become too complex, consider home care or memory care communities. If your loved one is on a fixed income, explore Medicaid eligibility.
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Finances and legal matters – Managing bills, insurance, and legal documents. If your loved one is able
Encourage them to designate someone they trust for decision-making.
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Emotional support – Changes in behavior and mood can be challenging. Family education helps everyone respond with compassion and understanding.
Step 4: Take Care of the Caregivers
Caring for someone with dementia is a big responsibility that doesn’t come with formal training. Many caregivers also experience grief as they adjust to changes in their loved one’s abilities and personality. Divide responsibilities when possible. Set realistic expectations, ask for help, and seek out caregiver support groups, dementia care specialists, or memory care professionals to help whenever necessary.
Step 5: Explore Professional Dementia Care Options
Sometimes, professional care becomes the best choice for both the individual and their family. Memory care communities offer trained staff, safe environments, and activities designed to support physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.
At Edgewood Healthcare, our memory care teams receive specialized training in dementia care, and many of our communities also offer free educational sessions for families and caregivers. Aside from our long-term memory care communities, we also provide adult day services and short-term stays to help those with shorter-term needs, or for those who are not yet ready for a long-term residential care community.
