10 Things I Wish I Knew When My Loved One Was Diagnosed with Dementia
Our Founder’s Perspective on things she wished she knew sooner.
“When someone you love is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, it’s more than a medical moment—it’s a life-changing pivot. The questions are overwhelming, the fears are real, and suddenly you find yourself navigating a confusing path with no clear map. I started Family Ties Senior Placements to support families during this exact moment—and I want you to know, you’re not alone. Looking back, here are the 10 things I wish I had known when our family first heard the words “Dementia” and “Alzheimer’s”:
~Jonie Sturek
1. It’s More Than Just Forgetfulness
Dementia and Alzheimer’s affect much more than memory. They impact language, problem-solving, personality, and behavior. Understanding the full scope early on would’ve helped me better interpret the changes I saw in my loved one.
➡️ What Is Alzheimer’s? - Alzheimer’s Association
2. You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
I thought I had to become an expert overnight. I spent many sleepless nights googling symptoms, timelines, medications only to wake up exhausted and no closer to an answer or a solution. The truth? There are professionals who can walk beside you. I hope you have a doctor who truly takes time with your loved one, but if not, find a great Gerontologist or memory care expert, who can medically guide you through this difficult time.
A senior living advisor is one of your best allies too—we understand the local care landscape and can match your loved one with the right memory care community or in-home care when the time comes.
3. Routine Can Be a Lifesaver
Alzheimer’s and Dementia often lead to confusion and anxiety. Establishing a steady, calming routine helped reduce stress for my loved one—and for me. Know when your loved ones best times are the day are and optimize those times for joy in peace.
➡️ Daily Care Tips - Alzheimer’s Association
4. Grief Starts Early—and That’s Okay
There’s a term for it: anticipatory grief. It’s the emotional pain of watching your loved one slowly fade. I wish I’d sought support sooner and realized I wasn’t alone in those feelings. We do have support groups as well. Just check out the link.
➡️ Grieving and Alzheimer’s - Alzheimer’s Association
5. Communication Will Change and Evolve
Dementia and Alzheimer’s change how people understand and express themselves. Tone, eye contact, and nonverbal communication became key. I learned to listen with my heart more than my ears. Savor those simple moments of joy, don’t focus so much on the hard times, there is still so much joy to experience.
➡️ Communication Tips - Alzheimer’s Association
6. Home May Not Always Be the Safest Place
We all want our loved ones to stay home—but dementia often brings safety risks: wandering, medication errors, falls. A senior living advisor helped me find memory care communities with secure environments and 24/7 support. There are also great in-home care options to help support families who chose to keep a loved one at home. The help you will receive is unbelievable - time away and great hands-on guidance will help you as much as it does your loved one.
➡️ When to Consider Memory Care
7. Legal & Financial Planning Can’t Wait
There’s a narrow window where your loved one can still make decisions about their future. Don’t wait too long.. We can help connect you with trusted elder law attorneys and planning tools. It’s important to understand the costs associated with care and have a plan for how it will be made. Medicaid planning is paramount for families with some assets, but may need some financial support as well.
➡️ Our Preferred Elder Law of Omaha Partner
8. There Are Stages—and Resources for Each
Alzheimer’s progresses through stages, and each one brings different care needs. Knowing this helped me plan ahead and avoid last-minute crises.
➡️ 7 Stages of Dementia to Consider
9. Caregiver Burnout Is Real
I thought asking for help meant I was failing. But burnout isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a warning sign. Finding respite care and leaning on professionals like senior living advisors kept me from falling apart.
➡️ Caregiver Stress - Alzheimer’s Association
10. Love Still Lives Here
Even on the hardest days, there are pure moments of joy—a shared smile, a remembered song, a gentle squeeze of my hand. Alzheimer’s and Dementia may change the person you knew, but it doesn’t erase the love you share.
At Family Ties Senior Placement Services, our mission as Senior Living Advisors is to help families navigate these complex decisions with compassion and clarity. From understanding care levels to touring memory care communities, we are by your side—every step of the way.
Let us help you find the right care for your loved one, and the peace of mind you deserve.
💜 If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, don’t wait to get support. Contact Family Ties Senior Placements today for a free consultation with a Senior Living Advisor who understands.
📞 402.305.8195
🌐 www.familytiesseniorplacements.com
📍 Serving Families Across the U.S.
