Planning for future healthcare decisions can feel overwhelming, but having these conversations early can provide clarity and peace of mind for both the person living with dementia and their care partners. Understanding who will make decisions, when those decisions may be needed, and how personal wishes can be communicated is an important part of dementia care.

This session explores the role of a substitute decision maker, the purpose of advance care planning, and why these conversations should begin while a person is still able to express their goals, values, and preferences. You'll learn about the legal and practical considerations involved, how to approach conversations with family members, and ways to ensure future healthcare decisions reflect what matters most to the individual.

Planning ahead cannot predict every situation, but it can help families feel more prepared, reduce uncertainty, and support informed decision-making throughout the dementia journey.

Get the most out of this session by downloading the accompanying Session Companion Guide to follow along, record notes, and revisit key concepts whenever you need them.