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.

Advance directives aren’t just for the elderly or the seriously ill. They’re for anyone who wants to make sure their voice is heard when they can’t speak for themselves. From medical decisions to financial responsibilities, these documents make it clear who’s in charge and what your wishes are before anything goes wrong. In this post, I’m breaking down what a financial power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, and living will actually do, why they matter no matter your age, and how they can protect the people you love from unnecessary chaos when life throws a curveball.