### Organizing Legal Documentation for Future Care Planning in Dementia
When someone is diagnosed with dementia, it’s crucial to plan for their future care. This includes organizing legal documents that ensure their wishes are respected and their needs are met. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand and prepare these documents.
#### 1. **Understanding the Basics**
Dementia is a condition that affects thinking and decision-making abilities. As the condition progresses, it becomes increasingly important to have a plan in place for managing medical, financial, and legal affairs. This plan includes several key documents that help caregivers make decisions on behalf of the person with dementia.
#### 2. **Types of Legal Documents**
There are several types of legal documents that are essential for future care planning:
– **Power of Attorney (POA):** This document allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf. There are different types of POAs:
– **Durable Power of Attorney:** This type of POA remains in effect even if the person with dementia becomes incapacitated.
– **Healthcare Power of Attorney:** This allows the designated person to make medical decisions, including end-of-life care.
– **Financial Power of Attorney:** This gives the designated person the authority to manage bank accounts, pay bills, and handle financial transactions.
– **Advance Directive or Living Will:** This document outlines the person’s wishes for medical treatment and services. It does not appoint someone to make decisions but rather specifies the treatments they do or do not want.
– **Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA):** This is similar to a POA but is specifically used in the UK. It allows someone to manage both financial and medical affairs.
#### 3. **Creating the Documents**
Creating these documents involves several steps:
1. **Identify the Type of Document Needed:**
– Determine which type of POA is necessary based on your caregiving role. For example, if you need to manage both finances and medical decisions, you might need two separate documents.
2. **Discuss the Principal’s Wishes:**
– Have an open conversation with the person with dementia about their preferences. Ask questions like:
– Who should be your backup agent if you’re unavailable?
– Do you want specific limits on my decision-making authority?
– What are your preferences for life-sustaining treatments or hospice care?
3. **Draft the Document:**
– Use a template provided by your state’s Department of Health or Attorney General’s office. However, it’s often better to work with an attorney to ensure the document is comprehensive and enforceable.
– The document should include:
– The principal’s name and contact information
– The agent’s name and scope of authority
– Specific instructions and limitations
– Details about when the POA takes effect
4. **File and Share the Document:**
– Once the document is signed, witnessed, and notarized, make multiple copies.
– Share the POA with healthcare providers, banks, and financial institutions, as well as family members.
– Keep the original document in a secure place and ensure the agent has easy access to a copy in case of an emergency.
#### 4. **Reviewing and Updating the Documents**
Circumstances change over time, so it’s essential to review the documents periodically to ensure they still meet your caregiving needs. If the person’s health deteriorates or their financial situation changes, you may need to adjust the document or draft a new one. Additionally, if your state’s laws change, the document may require updating to remain valid.
#### 5. **Supporting the Person with Dementia**
When supporting someone with dementia, it’s crucial to remember that their care should always be person-centred. This means taking into account their life history, background, relationships, needs, and preferences. If they have made their wishes known regarding their care, it’s
