Free Course – Emotional Supports for the Newly Diagnosed

This video provides an overview regarding how to process and emotionally integrate a new diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related illness. For some, it may be difficult to name the spectrum of feelings they are experiencing once they receive their diagnosis. Our video outlines and discusses some of the most common emotions. We also discuss ways to identify the kinds of emotional supports that best suit the person who has been newly-diagnosed and their different benefits. We offer specific suggestions to help manage these new responses and feelings, as well as ideas about how to choose the people and the environment that will help create or support a circle of care. The video looks at ways the person can stay connected to the people in their lives, to the community, and to themselves. The emphasis is on experiencing the new diagnosis as a process, and the importance of choosing the pace of the first steps. We hope AFA can be a part of these steps.