Embrace Identity

The diagnosis of dementia does not take away who you are! You are still a spouse/life partner, friend, grandparent sibling, colleague, first and foremost. Dementia does not define who you are and who you have been in your life.

Celebrate who you are and what you have done in your life at every opportunity - Your past achievements, skills, talents, memories. Remind yourself of the positive impact you have on others and the things you have done! You could display things your proud of, travel moments, photographs, or compile written notes and achievements in a folder - however you'd prefer!

Create a beautiful memory book with friends and family. Gather special photos from your life and add simple captions with important details. Use large print and keep the layout clear so it's easy to enjoy. Organise the photos chronologically, focusing on happy memories and moments. You can even present it in a photo album or scrapbook for a special touch! This will create a valuable tool to help trigger memories in years to come.

Include things you love, don't love, enjoy doing, and what's most important to you. For example: Music, food, favourite topics to chat about, and your daily routines. Capture as much as possible now, as this information will be valuable later on. Ask someone who knows you well to help you out.

Embracing your identity and putting who you are above your diagnosis you'll feel a greater sense of dignity, control, and belonging.

Connecting with supportive friends and family can be a great way to share your stories and plans for the future. Joining a local dementia group allows you to connect with others who understand your experiences. These conversations can be incredibly freeing and help you maintain your sense of self and stay positive.

Dementia doesn’t mean the end, so keep planning for your future - keep doing what you love, social dates, events, seeing family. As dementia progresses, plans may need to be adjusted or modified, however, it's still so important to keep looking forward! And the act of planning itself can be a valuable and empowering.

Be kind and understanding towards yourself. Acknowledge the challenges of living with dementia and celebrate your resilience and courage.