By Amy Sheridan, Seasons Program Director
A dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to think beyond the immediate challenges. However, planning for the future as early as possible can give individuals a voice in important decisions and provide loved ones with clear guidance as the disease progresses. Because dementia gradually affects memory, judgment, and decision-making, taking action early can reduce stress and uncertainty later.
One of the first steps is creating advance care planning documents. These legal documents outline your healthcare wishes if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. A living will explains the types of medical treatment you would or would not want in certain situations, while a durable power of attorney for healthcare allows you to appoint someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf. Talking openly with family members and your healthcare provider about your wishes can help ensure everyone understands your preferences.
You may also want to discuss specific medical decisions, such as whether you would want cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), mechanical ventilation, or other life-sustaining treatments. Depending on your state, forms such as a POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) may be available to document these choices. Some individuals also choose to register as organ donors or consider brain donation to support dementia research.
Financial planning is another important part of preparing for the future. Completing legal documents while you still have the capacity to make decisions helps ensure your wishes are carried out. Common planning tools include a last will, a durable financial power of attorney, and, in some cases, a living trust. An attorney who specializes in elder law or estate planning can help determine which documents are appropriate for your situation.
As dementia progresses, care needs often change. While many people can safely remain at home during the early stages, additional support may become necessary over time. Families should begin exploring available resources before a crisis occurs. Adult day programs, in-home care, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities each offer different levels of support. Planning allows families to compare options, understand costs, and make decisions that reflect the individual’s preferences.
Although there is currently no cure for most forms of dementia, planning can help ensure care aligns with what matters most to the person living with the disease. It can also ease the emotional burden on family members who may otherwise be left to make difficult decisions without knowing what their loved one would have wanted.
A few simple steps can make the process more manageable: start conversations early, keep important legal and medical documents in one secure location, review them periodically, and make sure your healthcare providers and designated decision-makers have copies when needed.
At Seasons Adult Day Health Services, we understand that living with dementia affects the entire family. Our adult day program provides engaging activities, health monitoring, and compassionate support in a safe environment, giving participants meaningful social connections while offering caregivers peace of mind.
To learn more about our services, contact Family Support Manager Christin Cardani at 989-633-3767.
Sources: National Institute on Aging. Legal and Financial Planning for People with Alzheimer’s Disease and Advance Care Planning: Advance Directives for Health Care. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/legal-and-financial-planning-people-alzheimers and https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning/advance-care-planning-advance-directives-health-care.
