These planning checklists are designed for caregivers of people with dementia during the early stages. The lists cover many aspects of care, from getting organized initially to education and support as well as financial and legal matters.
Your caregiving role is dependent on the needs of the person living with dementia. In the early stages, a person living with dementia will have noticeable symptoms. Symptoms will depend on the type of dementia, their personality, and environment. They might have challenges with memory, problem-solving, thinking, or language.
At this stage, people are still independent but may need some help with tasks. You can help by promoting a daily routine. Encourage social connection, independence, and be flexible. While the person is still able, it is time to plan for the future. Help them plan their future care options, including resolving financial and legal issues.
The following activities are for consideration only and offered as a guide. Remember, you do not need to do everything by yourself!
Education and support
- Contact the Dementia Society. Compile information for the person living with dementia and the caregiver.
- Speak with a Dementia Care Coach about your unique situation.
- Ottawa: 613-523-4004 Renfrew County: 1-888-411-2067
- Speak with a Dementia Care Coach about your unique situation.
- Discover community supports in your area on the ACCESS Connect to Community Support Services website. Hold onto the list for future reference.
- Expand your knowledge and your circle or support :
- Talk or meet with other family members. Share care responsibilities and keep everyone informed.
- Focus on the person’s strengths and abilities. Engage in activities that help promote the person’s independence. Find activities that promote cognitive abilities and reduce social isolation.
Getting organized
- Identify your support system:
- Who can you contact for help?
- Link certain responsibilities to specific people.
- Create a schedule of activities and appointments for the person living with dementia.
- Include time for breaks/respite for yourself.
- Make a list of personal contacts in case of an emergency. Keep a copy on the fridge for first-responders.
- Make an emergency or contingency plan. You can find emergency plan templates on the Ontario Caregiver Organization website.
- Develop a health information record including medications, dosages, and purpose. Keep it up to date.
- Develop a list of household information, companies, and contact information for utilities.
- Make a list of assets, bank account information, insurance information and policies. Make a list of titles and deeds to property, vehicle information, etc.
- Keep an eye on safety: Driving capabilities and safety in the home.
- Learn more with the Dementia Society’s-“Driving-and-Dementia”-toolkit.
- Register for Medic Alert® Safely Home® for the person living with dementia.
- 1-855-581-3794 or visit the MedicAlert website.
- Connect with a dementia care coach to discuss additional options
- 1-855-581-3794 or visit the MedicAlert website.
- Consider starting to look at living arrangements and options.
- The Regional Geriatric Program of Eastern Ontario’s Home to Retirement Home is available here.
- Consult the Dementia Society’s How to Plan and Talk About Moving fact sheet.
Legal
- Power of Attorney for Property signed.
- Get permission for another person (Power of Attorney) to operate the person’s bank account(s).
- You will need to show the signed copy and fill out the Bank POA Form. Meet with the Bank Manager.
- Power of Attorney for Personal Care signed.
- Have a legal Will in place. Seek legal advice.
Financial
- If you are a spouse or child supporting the person living with dementia, consider creating a joint back account.
- Establish direct deposits for cheques, pension benefits, and direct withdrawal for bill payments.
- Reduce the number of credit cards to one, and lower credit limits.
- Register the person on the National Do Not Call List for telemarketing calls.
- The Dementia Society has fact sheets on Managing Finances and Financial Planning.
Ottawa: 613-523-4004 Renfrew-County: 1-888-411-2067 | info@dsorc.org | DementiaHelp.ca
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