There are currently around 850,000 people with dementia in the UK. This is projected to double by 2040.
One person every three minutes will develop dementia this year. (Alzheimer’s Society)
The choices we make about end of life care are very individual. If you are living with dementia or supporting someone who has dementia, talking at an early stage about what is important can help reduce anxiety and bring peace of mind.
Sharing your wishes and making sure those closest to you know what matters most can give you the freedom to get on with living life now.
We can support you to start the conversation with friends and family, to speak openly and honestly together about how dementia may progress. Being part of the discussion and knowing your decisions means those closest to you can feel confident in making requests on your behalf later on.
Health
Dementia is unique to the individual and effects everyone differently. Symptoms can be mild at first but will change and get worse over time. Before this happens, it is useful think about how you would like to manage your health. It can be recorded as part of an Advance Care Plan.
Care
Many people with dementia live independently in the early stages and do not need care immediately. If you live with someone, it is worth considering early on how much support they could give you as symptoms develop and if this is manageable. You can decide together whether the help of a care professional might be useful, too, and what you might want to happen over time.
Living
You may prefer to remain at home, where things are familiar, and you have your own routine. More help and assistance could be gradually introduced to help you stay there or you might want to look at places offering assisted living, or a care home.
Legal & Financial
We can tell you more about how to get your affairs in order and record any decisions you may want to make about finances. This can include anything from how to appoint a Lasting Power of Attorney to what funding or benefits may be available to you to help with future care.