2026-10-13 Get it done while you still can
Dementia plays no favourites. It does not care about your age, your plans, or your background. Taking care of your legal affairs, insurance, and medical directives today guarantees your wishes are honoured tomorrow.
Crucial steps to take right now
When facing early onset or progressive dementia, proactive planning is essential. These are the three core areas you must sort out before cognitive decline takes away your ability to decide.
Wills and estate
Make sure your assets and personal belongings pass to your loved ones according to your wishes. Establishing an updated will protects your family from unnecessary legal conflict.
Insurance policies
Review life insurance, critical illness benefits, and disability coverage. Ensuring your paperwork is current relieves major financial stress for your caregivers down the road.
Power of attorney
Appoint someone you trust implicitly to manage your finances and medical directives. Your proxy will ensure your voice is heard when you can no longer speak for yourself.
Your voice matters most
This advice might feel uncomfortable, heavy, or confronting. But finishing this work now offers profound relief, knowing you have protected your family from impossible choices.
Completing the paperwork together
I recently finalized all of my legal and financial paperwork with the support of my wife. It was not an easy process to sit through, but knowing that everything I own will safely reach my family brings true peace of mind. Lean on your family or legal counsel to help you navigate every document.
Do not wait for tomorrow
Dementia is a progressive condition that moves unpredictably. Once capacity is called into question, legal hurdles become steep and exhausting. Make your choices clearly and legally while you still possess full decision-making power.