Early planning &
more info
Conversations and decisions that get easier with time.
Why plan early?
Living grief is fluid and cyclical and reflects the progressive nature of dementia. In terms of caring for a person living with dementia, incorporating the new reality into daily life is about recognising your grief and making it more manageable to avoid increasing stress and a possible crisis.
Early planning is critical; in the earlier stages of dementia there is increased opportunity to discuss what actions are needed and more meaningful conversations that can take place.
Planning for increasing care needs (at home or a care home) and for power of attorney or wills can better support your own wishes and those of the person you care for. Having harder conversations now and making decisions together can help prevent living grief from being compounded by challenges later.
MIST: Memory Information Support Team
CoWL's specialist team for dementia carers.
Accessing more information
If you are not already in touch with the Memory Information Support Team, based at Carers of West Lothian, please contact them to access further support about a range of topics, including emotional and practical advice.
You may also want to engage with other local services or dementia organisations, some of which offer free learning workshops or other resources.
Organisations include:
NHS Inform
Alzheimer Scotland
Age Scotland
Dementia UK
DSDC
Not sure where to start?
Get in touch - we can help you find the right next step.