Approximately 50 million people across the globe are living with dementia, with an estimated 10 million new cases occurring each year. 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), which is a type of progressive dementia. As your loved one progresses through the Lewy Body Dementia stages, it may be helpful to seek the expertise of a social worker. Social workers have a wealth of knowledge and skills to aid the individual with dementia, as well as their family and care team. Here, we share more about how a social worker may be able to support your loved one, your family, and the care team.
Provide Emotional Guidance
In many cases, dementia causes a significant change in family dynamics. Adult children of the person with dementia may struggle with complex feelings, such as worry for the future and sadness regarding their parent’s cognitive decline. It’s not easy navigating the changes that an LBD diagnosis brings, but a skilled social worker may be able to help you work through these feelings and find coping and communication strategies.
Explain Resources
Social workers who specialize in dementia care know the ins and outs of logistical resources, such as Medicaid. Understanding programs like Medicaid can be complicated and frustrating for families of those with dementia, but a social worker can help you navigate everything you need to know. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about finding solutions to long-term care and other care-related concerns, consider reaching out to a social worker for assistance.
Find Useful Services
A social worker can help determine if your loved one is eligible for helpful services provided by community agencies or universities. It can be difficult to find these services on your own, but social workers often have a wide range of connections to explore.
Preserve or Improve Quality of Life
Maintaining or improving the quality of life for those with dementia is important for everyone: the individual, their family members, and care partners. One of the most profound challenges that those with LBD and their loved ones struggle with is the new way of life that cognitive decline brings. Social workers can help the family and care team identify strategies to improve the quality of life for the person with dementia, such as implementing a routine or teaching ways to cope with challenging behaviors.
As your loved one progresses through the seven Lewy Body Dementia stages, it may be helpful to contact a social worker. These skilled professionals can often assist with a host of ways to make life easier and more enjoyable for the person with dementia and the important people in their life. If you need assistance in finding a reputable social worker in your area, our team would be happy to help you. We’re always here to aid in finding a qualified care team and speak with you about any other concerns you may have. Our helpline is available seven days per week, and you can also send us an email at any time.
