### Coordinating with Medical Professionals to Update Care Directives in Dementia Cases
Living with dementia can be a challenging and unpredictable journey. As the condition progresses, it becomes increasingly important to plan ahead and ensure that your wishes are respected. One crucial step in this planning is updating your care directives legally. Here’s how you can coordinate with medical professionals to make this process smoother.
#### Understanding Care Directives
Care directives, also known as advance care plans, are documents that outline your preferences and wishes regarding future healthcare and treatments. These plans can include details about end-of-life care, the kind of medical treatments you would or would not want, and where you would like to receive care.
#### Why Update Care Directives?
Updating your care directives is essential because your needs and preferences may change over time. If you are diagnosed with a new health condition, your health deteriorates, or your support structures change, it’s crucial to review and update your care plan. This ensures that your wishes are still reflected in your care plan and that your loved ones have the information they need to make decisions on your behalf[1][3].
#### Steps to Update Care Directives
1. **Consult with Your Healthcare Team**
Start by discussing your wishes with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the process of updating your care directives and ensure that your plan is comprehensive and legally binding.
2. **Create an Advance Statement**
An advance statement is a written document that sets down your preferences, wishes, beliefs, and values regarding your future care. This can include details about your religious or spiritual beliefs, where you would like to be cared for, and how you like to do things[3].
3. **Make a Lasting Power of Attorney**
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that appoints someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the capacity to make decisions yourself. This person is called your attorney, and they will act in your best interests[1][3].
4. **Review and Update Regularly**
Planning ahead doesn’t happen just once; it’s an ongoing process. Regularly review your care plan to ensure it still reflects your wishes. This is especially important if there are changes in your health or support structures[1].
5. **Communicate with Loved Ones**
Share your care plan with your loved ones, including your partner, family, and friends. This ensures they are aware of your wishes and can support you accordingly[3].
6. **Seek Professional Guidance**
If you need help creating or updating your care directives, consider seeking guidance from organizations like Dementia Australia or the Alzheimer’s Society. They offer resources and templates to help you through the process[1][3].
#### Practical Considerations
– **End-of-Life Planning:** Think about how you would like to be cared for in the final months of your life. Where would you like to be cared for? Who would you like to be with you? Making these decisions while you are still able to make them can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones[3].
– **Residential Care:** If you are considering moving to residential care, ensure that the home is accredited for end-of-life care. This means the home has specially trained staff for end-of-life care, which can provide better support and comfort[3].
– **Hospice Care:** Hospices offer specialized care for those nearing the end of their lives. They provide a quieter and more home-like environment, which can be beneficial for both the person with dementia and their family[3].
By coordinating with medical professionals and regularly updating your care directives, you can ensure that your wishes are respected and that your loved ones have the information they need to support you throughout your journey with dementia. This planning can provide immense peace of mind and help maintain a positive quality of life.
