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!
Supporting a Loved One After Dementia Diagnosis
When someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it’s a journey that feels like stepping into the unknown. As a family member, it can be overwhelming to know how to respond, but the most important thing you can offer is patience, understanding, and love. Here, I’ll share some key steps that helped my family and me navigate the early days following the diagnosis. These tips aren’t just for the person with Alzheimer’s; they’re for everyone involved, as we all adjust to this life-altering change.
1. Allow Time to Grieve
When I was first diagnosed, I needed time to process what had happened. I was confused, scared, and overwhelmed by the future. For my family, it was important to give me that time to grieve. They didn’t rush to reassure me with statements like, “It’s going to be okay,” or try to sugarcoat the reality. Instead, they simply let me feel my emotions, acknowledging my pain. Sometimes, it’s more powerful to just sit in silence with your loved one and allow them to express their feelings—whether it’s through tears, quiet reflection, or just being together in the moment.
2. Support Emotional Processing
Emotions can be difficult to put into words, especially when the reality of the diagnosis sinks in. For me, the emotional support I needed wasn’t always verbal. What helped the most were small gestures of comfort, like a hug or just holding my hand. My family allowed me to express my grief and fear without forcing words. Sometimes, that meant I cried in private or used creative outlets, like drawing, to process. Giving your loved one the space to express themselves in their own way is one of the most loving things you can do.
3. Avoid Overstepping
One of the hardest things for my family was stepping back and allowing me to navigate my diagnosis on my own terms. It’s easy to want to take over and tell your loved one how to live or what they should do next. But it’s crucial to resist that urge. Giving someone diagnosed with dementia the freedom to rediscover themselves and make decisions about their life allows them to maintain their sense of autonomy and dignity. Even if things are changing, they should still feel in control of their choices for as long as possible.
4. Balance of Presence and Distance
At first, my family was very present, always checking in and wanting to make sure I was okay. While I appreciated the concern, there were times when I needed space. Constant presence can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it can unintentionally add to the emotional burden. My family learned to strike a balance between offering support and giving me the room I needed to breathe. A simple text message saying, “I’m here if you want to talk,” or just knowing they were available when I needed them, made all the difference.
5. Prevent Depression
There’s a delicate balance when it comes to grief. My family was careful not to suppress my feelings in an attempt to protect me from sadness. Unprocessed grief can eventually lead to depression, so it was important for my family to give me the time and space to work through my emotions. They allowed me to express my fears and sadness openly, and they didn’t try to push me into quick fixes or platitudes. They simply listened and let me process my journey at my own pace.
6. Acceptance and Adaptation
Over time, my family helped me come to terms with my diagnosis, and that acceptance was essential. It wasn’t about “getting over it” but about understanding and adapting to my new reality. We talked about what I could still do, what I wanted to focus on, and how we could work together to maintain my independence and dignity. My family didn’t dwell on what I might lose in the future—they focused on what I could do now and how to make the most of every moment.
Supporting a loved one with dementia isn’t easy, and it doesn’t follow a clear roadmap. It’s a journey that requires flexibility, patience, and a willingness to adapt to new challenges. But with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to respecting your loved one’s autonomy, you can help them navigate the emotional and practical changes that come with the diagnosis.
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.
