A dementia diagnosis is never easy—but it’s not the end of the conversation. In fact, it’s the moment to start asking the right questions and making clear, compassionate decisions. The earlier you plan, the more options you have. From legal documents to care teams and everything in between, this post breaks down how to take action now so you’re not scrambling later.

Marriage doesn’t automatically give you the legal authority to act on your spouse’s behalf. If your partner becomes incapacitated and you don’t have a power of attorney in place, you may be blocked from accessing accounts, managing bills, or even talking to their insurance provider. Love and commitment matter—but in the eyes of the law, it’s all about agency. And that has to be granted, not assumed.