Why is it important to document your wishes now?
As dementia progresses, people often become anxious and confused, and lose the ability to recognize loved ones, communicate with others, and lose the ability to make their own decisions. Some people with dementia can also become aggressive and violent.
1 in 3
older adults die with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia.90%
of Americans with dementia end up in a nursing home or other care facility, and undergo an unnecessary medical procedure in the last week of life.Someone will need to make medical decisions about your care after you lose the ability to make your own decisions. Giving your loved ones clear instructions on the type of care and treatment you want at each stage of your dementia takes the burden off of them and ensures that your care is consistent with your values and priorities.
This is important to do now, while you still have the ability to document decisions regarding your care. If you wait too long, and your dementia progresses too far, you will lose the ability to document these decisions and your loved ones may not be able to carry out your wishes.
