As dementia progresses, making sound decisions will eventually become difficult for the person you are caring for. Therefore, it is important for those who will be making decisions in the future to understand the wishes of the person with dementia.

 

Why is early planning important?

  • Early planning honours the person with dementia because it allows them the opportunity to participate in making decisions about their own future.
  • Waiting increases the risk that it will be impossible to have an inclusive process where the views of all parties will be included.
  • The person with dementia may be required to have 'legal competency' in order to sign several important documents related to planning.

    An ounce of planning is worth a pound of cure!
     

What does planning involve?

The purpose of planning is to avoid crises and to make future situations more manageable. Planning for the future will mean different things for different people, as everyone's situation is unique. Most families will benefit from considering the following areas:

  • Arranging for someone to help manage the person's financial affairs
  • Understanding tax benefits that may apply to your family
  • Making health care decisions
  • Discussing the person's living situation, including decisions about moving to a long-term care facility
  • Making decisions together about what to do when the person with dementia can no longer drive safely
  • Making a will
  • Funeral arrangements
  • View the Ready Set Plan Checklist and Planning for the Future Timeline for more information