By Jamie Oldham RN BSN CDP

When someone receives a dementia diagnosis, it can be overwhelming. There are many important decisions to make, and one of the hardest steps is starting the conversation about "what's next." Health and wealth are sensitive topics, but talking about the future is essential for making sure your wishes are respected.

In this Video  we'll cover key areas to discuss with your loved ones and how to approach these delicate conversations.

Starting the "What's Next" Conversation

Beginning the conversation can feel daunting, but it's crucial to talk openly about your future health, finances, and care preferences. Below, we outline some of the most important questions to consider and discuss.

The Key Topics to Cover

Advance Care Planning & Advance Directives

What to Discuss: What are your preferences for future medical care? It's important to share these details with a Patient Advocate or Medical Power of Attorney (POA) so they can make decisions that align with your wishes if you become unable to speak for yourself.

Health Decisions

Who to Involve: Who do you trust to help with your healthcare decisions? This person will serve as your Patient Advocate or Medical POA, responsible for ensuring your healthcare aligns with your values.

Wealth Management

Selecting a Durable Power of Attorney (POA): Who will manage your finances if you are no longer able to? This individual, your Durable POA, will make financial decisions on your behalf, from paying bills to managing assets.

Living Arrangements

Questions to Ask: Where do you want to live as your needs change? If staying in your current home becomes impossible, what type of living facility do you prefer? Discussing these options now helps avoid stressful decisions later.

Caregiving

Considerations: Who will make medical decisions for you when you're no longer able? When do you think you'll need assistance, and who do you trust to be part of that process? Involving a trusted family member or doctor early on helps create a care plan that reflects your preferences.

Code Status

Why It Matters: This can be a difficult topic, but it's essential to think about your wishes in case of a life-threatening emergency. Would you want to be placed on life support if your heart stops or if you stop breathing? Discussing this now prevents loved ones from having to make a rushed decision later.

Final Journey

Important Questions: What are your final wishes? Would you prefer to be buried, cremated, or have your body donated to science? Where do you want your final resting place to be? Letting your family know your desires can provide them comfort and clarity during a difficult time.

How to Choose Your Special Person(s)

Dementia can make individuals more vulnerable as time goes on, so selecting trusted individuals to help with decisions is crucial. Here's how to choose the right people:

Health: Patient Advocate / Medical Power of Attorney

• Trust: Choose someone who you trust to make important medical decisions when you cannot. This person should know your healthcare preferences and be ready to act in your best interest.
• Good Communicator: Select someone who understands you, can ask the right questions, and advocate for your needs in medical situations.
• Proximity: It's helpful if your Patient Advocate lives nearby, in case they need to be physically present for emergencies.
• Confidence: Choose someone who can stand firm and make decisions on your behalf, even when emotions are running high.

Wealth: Durable Power of Attorney

• Trustworthy: This person will manage your finances, so pick someone who will act in your best interest—whether that's a spouse, close family member, or friend. You can also appoint a lawyer if you prefer.
• Organized: Your Durable POA should have good financial judgment and be comfortable handling transactions online, regardless of where they live.
• Responsible: They must be capable of managing tasks like paying bills, handling taxes, and overseeing property. Make sure the person you choose is reliable and detail-oriented.

Final Thoughts

Planning for the future is difficult, but having these conversations now ensures your wishes are respected as your needs change. By addressing topics like health care, financial planning, and living arrangements with your loved ones, you can create a roadmap for the future that reflects your values and gives your family peace of mind.

Call on Us

At Schluter & Hughes Law Firm, PLLC we use our custom model called the Continuum LifePlan^SM to help families understand the natural progression of aging. We partner estate planning and care coordination to look at how aging impacts one's health, mobility, housing, and personal/social resources and create customized plans that allow for growth and change. The partnership of Estate Planning Attorneys with our Care Coordinators, who are Nurses and a Physician's Assistant, provides for multilayer life planning to handle the "real world" and the "how's" and to ensure that an emergency action plan is in place if something happens. Knowing you have a team of professionals available to discuss life changes and transitions allows for peace of mind.

Preparing for the future requires a lot of thought. It is the kind and right thing for each of us to do for ourselves and our loved ones.  A coordinated effort means better outcomes. We are here for you. Call for a consultation.