What is a Dementia Directive?
Developing dementia is one of the greatest fears of growing older. Having advance healthcare directives, a healthcare proxy, and documenting end-of-life wishes should be standard practice for every adult.
However, traditional advance directives may not be enough. Dementia directives—while not legally binding—can provide additional guidance about a person's preferences at different stages of the disease. This can help families and caregivers navigate extraordinarily difficult decisions with greater clarity and confidence.
Follow the link below to read the WSJ article on what dementia directives are, why they matter, and to access free online templates.
The Ethical Dilemmas of Dementia Care
Is it ever acceptable to lie to protect the people you love? It's just one of the many heart-wrenching ethical dilemmas that dementia care presents.
As the WSJ article notes, thoughtful planning for one's later years can help mitigate some of these challenges. But planning alone isn't enough. As the U.S. population ages and people live longer, we also need a broader range of housing and care options.
Perhaps if more innovative and appealing models were widely available—such as friend compounds, intergenerational communities, and dementia villages—more people would choose to make the transition earlier. Doing so could ease the burden on loved ones while helping ensure greater safety, dignity, and quality of life for those living with dementia.