When a loved one begins to show signs of memory loss or receives a diagnosis of dementia, it can be difficult to know what to do next. The emotional weight of the situation often makes it tempting to wait: to hope symptoms remain manageable, to delay making changes, or to avoid difficult conversations.
But the earlier you begin planning for memory care, the more choices, clarity, and peace of mind you will have later on. Planning ahead does not mean rushing your loved one into a care community. It means creating a thoughtful path forward, with their well-being and dignity at the center.
Whether you are noticing early signs or have recently received a diagnosis, this guide can help you understand what to expect and what steps to take next.
Why early planning for memory care matters
Memory loss is progressive. Over time, changes in behavior, thinking, and daily function become more noticeable and, eventually, more difficult to manage without support. The sooner families start planning, the better prepared they are to:
- Honor their loved one’s preferences and values
- Understand what kind of care may be needed and when
- Avoid crisis-based decisions that lead to stress or regret
- Choose the right memory care community with care and confidence
Planning ahead allows your parent or loved one to participate in the conversation while they are still able to express their wishes. It also gives you time to explore resources, coordinate support, and gradually adapt to changes in your family’s needs.
You do not have to do everything at once, but doing something now, like starting a conversation, researching options, or gathering paperwork, can make a difference later.
Steps to take to plan for memory care
Here are the key steps to begin planning for memory care, from the moment of diagnosis through later stages of dementia progression.
Immediately following a diagnosis or signs of memory loss:
- Start the conversation: Talk with your loved one and other family members. Ask what they want, what they are afraid of, and what matters most to them.
- Make medical follow-up appointments: Connect with specialists to learn more about the diagnosis and what to expect. Consider scheduling cognitive testing or a referral to a neurologist or geriatrician.
- Begin legal and financial planning: Ensure essential documents are in place, such as powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, living wills, and a review of insurance and long-term care policies.
As symptoms begin to worsen:
- Track daily changes: Note any difficulties with cooking, driving, managing medications, personal hygiene, or wandering. This helps you understand what type of support may be needed.
- Explore in-home or community support: Look into adult day programs, respite care, or part-time caregiving help. This can extend independence while easing caregiver stress.
- Tour memory care communities: Visit memory care communities like the Arbors and The Ivy to see what they offer. Look for a setting with compassionate staff, secure spaces, and programming that supports dignity and purpose.
Once safety becomes a concern:
- Make a transition plan: Talk about what signs will indicate that a move is needed. Discuss the logistics: timing, belongings, and emotional support.
- Keep the care plan flexible: Needs will continue to change. Stay in close communication with your care team, and adjust plans as needed.
Creating a dementia care plan
Planning for dementia allows you to create a shared roadmap that outlines how your loved one will be supported as their condition progresses. It should reflect their medical, emotional, social, and legal needs. Creating one does not need to be complicated. It just needs to be thoughtful.
A good dementia care plan includes:
- A summary of your loved one’s diagnosis and current symptoms
- Preferences for future care, including memory care communities they like
- Contact information for doctors, specialists, and care providers
- Financial details such as insurance coverage, care budgets, and payment plans
- Legal documents, including power of attorney, advance directive, living will
- Support resources like respite care, support groups, care coordinators
Make sure the plan is accessible to trusted family members and updated as care needs evolve. It can be helpful to keep this plan in both digital and printed form.
Disadvantages of not planning early
It is common for families to wait until there is a crisis, such as an injury, hospitalization, or severe confusion, before considering memory care. But when planning is delayed, important decisions often need to be made in a rush, under stress, or without the input of the person receiving care.
Waiting too long to plan for memory care can lead to:
- Fewer care options due to urgent need or availability
- Strained family relationships and conflicting decisions
- Increased emotional stress for caregivers and loved ones
- Missed opportunities to ease the transition with early support
- Financial strain from last-minute decisions or care gaps
Planning early gives you time to choose the right community, coordinate support, and prepare emotionally and practically so your parents’ transition is rooted in dignity, not urgency.
Common things families forget to consider
Even with the best intentions, it is easy to overlook certain details in the planning process. Some of the most common ones include:
- Waiting lists: Many quality memory care communities have limited availability. Early planning ensures you can secure a place that feels right.
- Personality fit: Not every community feels the same. Take time to explore whether a location matches your loved one’s lifestyle, values, and personality.
- Transitions of care: Consider what will happen as the condition progresses. Will your loved one be able to stay in one place as care needs increase?
- Caregiver needs: Supporting someone with dementia is emotionally and physically demanding. Make space in the plan for your own well-being, too.
At The Arbors and The Ivy, our memory care team works closely with families to create care plans that reflect each resident’s needs, routines, and personality. We understand that early conversations lead to better transitions and better care.
Planning ahead makes all the difference
It is never easy to prepare for the challenges of dementia. But planning for memory care early, before a crisis arises, offers a sense of direction when everything else feels uncertain. It also gives your loved one a voice in how their care unfolds and provides your family with the time and space to make thoughtful decisions.
At The Arbors and The Ivy, our memory care communities are designed to support residents and families alike. If you are navigating early signs of dementia or considering next steps, we are here to help you move forward with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
Contact our team today at 860.698.8613 or online to discuss your options.