Planning together when a loved one has dementia
A dementia diagnosis can leave families wondering where to begin. Medical appointments may come first, while questions about daily support, finances and future decisions wait for another day.
Taking a few manageable steps now can help South Carolina families prepare while keeping their loved one’s wishes at the center of the conversation. The goal is to create a thoughtful foundation that can adapt as circumstances change.
Begin with everyday life
Before focusing on paperwork, consider what helps your loved one feel comfortable, connected and valued. A familiar morning routine, favorite music, family visits or time outdoors may still bring enjoyment and purpose.
Ask about preferences and include your loved one in decisions whenever possible. Discuss whom they trust, what matters most to them and how they would like to receive support. Allow time for answers and recognize that these conversations may unfold gradually.
Writing down preferences can give family members a shared understanding of what matters. These conversations can guide both immediate caregiving arrangements and longer-term planning.
Make time for a document review
Locate existing legal documents and schedule a review with a South Carolina elder law attorney. Durable financial powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney, wills and trusts may need attention as circumstances change.
Having documents in place is a starting point. Families should also consider whether the people named remain appropriate and whether the documents reflect current wishes and anticipated needs. Make sure trusted individuals know where important paperwork is kept and whom to contact with questions.
An attorney can evaluate available planning options and determine whether the individual can legally sign new or updated documents. Addressing these questions early allows more time for careful discussion.
Prepare for changing care needs
Consider who can provide help today and what additional assistance might be needed later. Review financial resources and discuss long-term care costs, including whether Medicaid planning is appropriate.
Gathering information about income, insurance, accounts and regular expenses can help organize these discussions. Families can also explore available care options before an urgent need arises.
Give caregivers a place in that plan, too. Sharing responsibilities, arranging breaks and exploring support groups or community services can help make caregiving more manageable. Identify specific tasks others can handle, such as transportation, meals or appointment scheduling.
A plan should be revisited as care needs and family circumstances evolve.
Move forward one step at a time
Planning after a dementia diagnosis involves personal conversations as well as legal and financial decisions. Each step offers an opportunity to better understand your loved one’s wishes and organize support around them.
For educational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Lisa Hostetler Brown is a Certified Elder Law Attorney certified by the National Elder Law Foundation. 2 Hampton Hall Blvd, Ste 100, Bluffton, SC 29910. | 843-757-5294 | LawyerLisa.com.
