Dementia planning is not about doing everything at once. It is about starting early, talking openly and making small changes that support safety, choice and connection.
Small, practical steps can make daily life safer and help everyone feel more prepared. Following on from our recent ‘Understanding Dementia’ session, Nurse Practitioner Erica Wright shares her top tips when thinking ahead:
Make the home safer. Check access and consider one-level living; think about wheelchair or commode suitability and how to reduce clutter and trip hazards. Remember that a safe home makes independence easier to keep, and easier to regain.
Discuss driving early. Impaired driving signs to watch out for are getting lost, difficulty responding to traffic, slower reactions, new dents, near misses or concerns from others. If you notice these changes in yourself or a loved one, talk with a doctor or health professional about driving safety and the next steps.
Consider the caregiver. Think carefully about the commitment you are making before becoming a caregiver and have a back-up plan for if a caregiver gets sick or needs a break. Looking after caregiver wellbeing is essential to minimising stress for everyone.
Plan ahead. Be sure that your Advanced Care Plan has been completed and shared with people who may make decisions on your behalf, such as your whānau, primary care team and closest hospital. Name your Enduring Power of Attorney now and make sure that they can ‘drop everything’ and help if you need them to.
Take your statin. If a statin has been recommended by your GP, be sure that you’re taking it. Reducing LDL (often called ‘bad cholesterol’) is key to minimising your dementia risk.