In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, friends and family will begin to notice cognitive difficulties in a person with memory loss, and changes in relationships will begin to occur. One of the most difficult challenges for those with Alzheimer's disease is maintaining long-term friendships while their disease progresses. Joanne Rodda-Hubbard, Director of Memory Care at The Kensington in White Plains, NY, explains why some friends may be hesitant to visit or interact with someone with memory loss. "Often, people simply don't know what to expect," says Rodda-Hubbard. "This is usually the result of being misinformed or not understanding what Alzheimer's disease is truly like. They might not know what to say or worry that their friend won't recognize them." Even though friends might experience some anxiety about keeping the friendship alive, Alzheimer's experts say that maintaining friendships and social interaction are vital to the emotional health and well-being of the person with dementia. Therefore, family members should make every effort to keep their loved one connected with as many friends as possible after their diagnosis. How to Stay ConnectedAccording to the Alzheimer's Association's® article, "Helping Friends and Family", if you have been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, friends, coworkers and neighbors may not understand what is happening to you. Sometimes they won't know what to do or say. They may keep their distance or resist keeping in touch. Or, they may be waiting for you to reach out to them.Here are some steps you can take to help your friends understand and relate to your new circumstances:Share your experiences about living with Alzheimer's.Tell them what you're still comfortable doing.Let them know when you need help and support - and what they can do to help. If they offer to help, accept it.Invite them to Alzheimer's Association education programs and events. You might also find that you make new friends as you engage with others who share yourdiagnosis. You may meet others through support groups, education programs, online message boards, volunteer opportunities and social programs. It can hurt to realize that some people you thought would be there for you now seem distant. They may be uncomfortable about your diagnosis, as it might make them fearful about their own future. People who can't be a part of your support circle now may join later once they have had time to adjust to your diagnosis. Maintaining Positive RelationshipsThere are useful articles that can be shared with friends to educate them on how to relate effectively with a person with Alzheimer's disease. This information can reduce their anxiety and enable them to feel more confident about visiting with you. In addition, the article "Changes in Relationships", offers other useful tips that can help to maintain and reinforce friendships after a diagnosis. For example: Be open about your feelings - Share your experience of living with the disease with your friends.Strengthen trusting relationships - Focus on relationships that are supportive, and show your gratitude for the people you love and appreciate.Be specific about how you would like to be treated - Let people know what social activities you would like to continue and the best ways to share time together.Learn how to ask for help - Tell your friends how they can help and let them know your expectations for support.Re-evaluate relationships - Don't dwell on friends who are unable to support you at this time or don't have a positive presence in your life. Give them the time to adjust to your diagnosis. Try not to take it personally.See yourself as unique and human - You still have much left to experience, and there are friends and family who will always love you and be there for you. By taking these expert tips to heart, you can make it easier and more comfortable for your friends to continue to engage with you and to maintain friendships for as long as possible. We Promise to Love and Care for Your Family as We Do Our OwnJoanne Rodda-Hubbard is just one of the many special people within The Kensington family - people who make life at The Kensington an enriching, fulfilling and enjoyable experience for all residents. The Kensington is an enhanced Assisted Living and Memory Care residence located in the heart of White Plains, NY. Here, residents are regarded as members of our own family, so hugs, laughs, companionship and patient support are routine parts of every day. We help our residents feel loved and secure by delivering heartfelt excellence in Assisted Living and Memory Care services in a warm, beautiful environment that offers comfortable elegance and is staffed by loving professionals. We believe the comfort of familiarity is precious, so our enhanced program enables us to offer care beyond what the traditional assisted living community can deliver. We offer a full spectrum of clinical support, rehabilitation, wellness and social engagement activities as well as end-of-life care. No resident needs to move out if their healthcare needs ever change. For those with memory loss, The Kensington offers levels of care in specially designed neighborhoods. Connections is for early-to-mid-stage Alzheimer's and dementia care. Haven is for mid-to late-stage Alzheimer's and dementia care. We understand that memory loss is a family affair, so our multifaceted program is geared to support not only our residents but also those who love them. Click to contact us for further information or call us directly at 914-390-0080.
