A Journey of Strength, Hope, and Resilience: Emily Ong’s Story
We’re thrilled to bring you an exclusive 6-part series featuring the inspiring journey of Emily Ong—a wife, mother, and relentless advocate redefining what it means to live with young-onset Alzheimer’s. Emily uses her firsthand experience to drive change as a Dementia Expert by Experience, passionately addressing issues like rehabilitation, disability rights, environmental influences on dementia, and the challenges faced by women and care partners.
Diagnosed in her 50s, Emily shares her raw and real experience navigating the challenges of this condition, from the emotional rollercoaster of the diagnosis to the powerful lessons in resilience, independence, and the importance of family support. Her voice resonates in conversations about employment and dignity for those navigating cognitive impairments, empowering others to embrace hope and action. Through her advocacy, Emily is turning personal challenges into a powerful force for global awareness and positive change.
In this series, Emily opens her heart to show the world what it truly means to live with Alzheimer’s at a young age, offering hope, practical advice, and a new perspective on caregiving, long-term planning, and emotional well-being.
Don’t miss out on Emily’s incredible story – stay tuned for each part of the series!
Family Support for Navigating Dementia
Living with dementia is challenging, not just for the person diagnosed but for their entire family. As I began my journey through dementia, I quickly learned that medical care was only one part of the equation. The real strength came from the emotional and practical support of my family. Their patience, understanding, and adaptability were invaluable, helping me navigate the difficulties I faced each day.
Coping with Anxiety in Crowded Places
When I was first diagnosed, one of the most overwhelming challenges I encountered was anxiety, especially in crowded places like busy markets or restaurants. I found myself getting lost in the chaos, feeling disoriented and on edge. My doctor prescribed SSRIs to help manage the anxiety, but I quickly realized that the support from my family was just as crucial.
They became experts at adjusting our outings to make them more manageable for me. We’d go to restaurants early, becoming the first customers of the day when the place was quieter, or we’d choose to celebrate special occasions at home instead of in crowded venues. We’d still bring food from my favourite restaurants, so it felt like a treat, but without the stress of a noisy, bustling environment.
Adapting to Financial Challenges
As my cognitive declined more, managing finances became increasingly difficult. I began forgetting PIN numbers sequence, struggling with large denominations of money, and couldn’t always calculate change correctly. It felt like something so familiar to me had suddenly become a puzzle I couldn’t solve. My family, however, stepped in with practical solutions to ease the burden.
They took over managing my bank accounts and made sure to withdraw money in the denominations I preferred—like $2, $5, and $10 bills—to make transactions easier. They also encouraged me to take small steps toward managing my finances independently, such as setting monthly budgets. And when my confidence with handling cash waned, they patiently taught me how to use e-payments and helped me get comfortable with new technologies like scanning QR codes.
Building Confidence in New Routines
Another significant change I faced was adapting to new systems, such as ordering food through QR codes at restaurants. At first, it felt overwhelming. The entire process seemed too complicated, and I couldn’t manage it on my own. But again, my family came to the rescue.
They sat with me and practiced the process step by step until it became more manageable. They’d share restaurant menus and locations with me in advance to reduce the stress of unfamiliarity. And when I felt ready to try ordering independently, they encouraged me to give it a go, but they were always there, just in case I needed a little help.
Balancing Independence and Support
One thing I’ve learned through all of this is the importance of balancing support with maintaining my dignity and independence. My family was careful not to take over completely. Instead, they observed where I was struggling and adjusted their level of assistance accordingly. They gave me the space to manage things on my own whenever I could, and they provided just enough help when I needed it.
They also kept a feedback loop open, asking me what tasks I could handle and what required their assistance. This approach allowed me to retain a sense of control and confidence, which was so important for my self-esteem. It wasn’t about doing everything for me—it was about offering help in a way that still made me feel empowered.
The Role of Patience and Understanding
Looking back, I realize that one of the most comforting aspects of my family’s support was their willingness to learn and adapt alongside me. They didn’t rush to fix everything or get frustrated when things didn’t go smoothly. Instead, they observed my struggles with empathy, adjusting their approach based on what worked and what didn’t. This constant, patient learning from both sides created a safety net that preserved my dignity and fostered my independence.
Reflection
Family support is an essential pillar in managing dementia. It’s not just about physical help but about understanding the emotional challenges that come with the condition. My journey has shown me that when family members balance assistance with autonomy, it allows the person with dementia to feel empowered. This balance doesn’t eliminate the challenges, but it does make them more manageable.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that dementia doesn’t have to be faced alone. With the right family support—rooted in patience, mutual learning, and empathy—it’s possible to navigate even the most difficult moments with dignity and confidence.
Don’t miss out on Emily’s incredible story – stay tuned for each part of the series!
For more articles on Dementia, Active Ageing and Help for Caregivers, please check our articles at Hovicare.com.
