A recent article was published on how best to honor those suffering from early-stage dementia. The article began by describing the first steps one should take when they discover a spouse is “in a state of decline.” Oftentimes at the first sight of decline, it is suggested that the couple “should sell the home immediately and move to a facility.” However, the article states that those with a declining spouse should “focus first on preserving independence and dignity.”
Sometimes, one must give up a bit of independence to maintain independence in other ways. The article suggests a “checkup of foundational estate planning documents” involving the patient in creating an “updated last will and testament, durable financial power of attorney for business matters, and a health care power of attorney.” In this stage, a home care service plan might be discussed as well. This is to prevent circumstances “when the caregiving spouse unwisely takes on too much responsibility and becomes hospitalized as a result.”
For more on additional steps in order to care for one with early-stage dementia, read here.
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