Power of Attorney Vs. Medical Decision Maker

Power of Attorney vs. Medical Decision Maker: Why It Matters in Dementia

Many families assume one document, or one trusted person, covers everything when a loved one can no longer make decisions for themselves. This guide explains why that's often not the case, and what to put in place before a crisis forces the issue.

In plain, easy to follow language, this guide covers:

• The real difference between financial and medical decision-making authority
• Why dementia makes early planning urgent
• Real-world scenarios showing what happens when families are only partly prepared
• A fillable one-page Authority Map to record who's in charge of what
• Checklists to bring to your attorney and keep in your family's documents binder

Written for caregivers navigating the practical side of a dementia diagnosis, with guidance from dementia specialist Lisa Skinner.

19 pages