Book: Transitions

Making decisions in proxy for another can be difficult.

Also consider

·         Take your time. Acknowledge that these are difficult times. You may find yourself in a scary place. This is natural, so it's necessary to rationalise fears in order to progress. But you will need a calm mind to see the whole picture

·         Consider other times, in the past, when you have had to make difficult decisions. Consider what helped you then

·         Talking with trusted family and fiends

·         Talking with the person you are caring for. It may be helpful,  in as far as possible, to  be honest with the person and try to communicate information in a positive, supportive, non-threatening way.

·         Writing things down. Putting the Pros an Cons on paper might help to unclog the mind and increase clarity.

·         Speaking with Health Care Professionals, PHN, GP , Occupational Therapist, Speech & Language Therapist (SALT), Dementia Advisor etc

·         If possible talk to other Carers who have  gone through Later Stage dementia

Take a look at this short video, called 'Beginning at the End - Being Brave'. It is about the complexities of feelings and needs of the carer at the end of life stage.

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A Guide for Family Caregivers to Placing a Relative with Dementia in a Nursing Home is available here