Future planning - Where to start with wills, guardianship, power of attorney with dementia

“I was diagnosed early, so I got what I call my ‘active dying plan’ out of the way. And now I’m on my ‘active living plan’ and my adventure with dementia.”

Pam was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia in her late 50s. Although the diagnosis at such a young age was a shock, Pam wasted no time making arrangements for her own funeral so that when the time comes, her family can celebrate her life the way she prefers.

For Hold the Moment co-host Jim Rogers, the process of getting his paperwork in order started with a long, reflective walk around the Glebe foreshore in Sydney with his husband Tyler. But once the big picture was planned, how did Jim start the necessary legal processes to make sure that big picture would come to life?

Professor Nola Ries can help. She’s a co-founder of the Dementia Law Network. She explains the common (and sometimes confusing) terms you’re likely to hear as you start getting your affairs in order.

Dementia Australia also has a webinar on Future Planning you can watch online, plus other resources to help get your affairs organised.

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Hold the Moment is a podcast from Dementia Australia, produced by Deadset Studios and hosted by Jim Rogers and Hamish Macdonald.

For support, you can contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 (24 hours a day, seven days a week). The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government.

Follow Dementia Australia on Facebook and Instagram or find support resources on our website.

This episode was produced by Liam Riordan. Sound design by Sean Holden. The executive producers are Grace Pashley and Kellie Riordan. Production manager is Ann Chesterman.

Dementia Australia and Deadset Studios acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Dementia Australia acknowledges and appreciates the support of the Australian Government for this initiative.