Conversations About Memory Loss and Dementia

As we age, it is normal to become more forgetful. When forgetfulness impacts a person’s independent functioning, quality of life or safety then we should take action. You should consider having at least one family member or trusted friend or adviser in the room during the conversation. The person with memory issue will likely not remember pertinent facts, and he or she may not remember important decisions that were made in the meeting. The trusted family member or friend can also review or remind the client of the pertinent details after the meeting.

The frequency of dementia doubles every 5 years starting at age 60. By the time a person reaches their mid-eighties, they have a 50% chance of suffering from some form of dementia. It will become increasingly important to talk with clients and their families about dementia and financial decision-making.

Opening comments

We care very much about you and your family, and we want you and your family to have a secure financial future. As we age it is often that memory loss can become a problem.

So, I want to start a conversation with you and your family so we can plan for it, should it become a real problem.

We believe it is always best in addressing these types of decisions that it be a process and dialogue with you that includes family members you find supportive and trustworthy.

Questions

How are things going these days in terms of your memory? Do you have any worries about that?

Have you had difficulties paying your bills accurately and on-time, or balancing your check book?

What about understanding your bank monthly statement, or the statements you get from us?

Do other members of your family ever ask you for money?

Do people that you do not know, like people on the phone or maybe the person how comes in and fixes thing around the house, ever ask you for money?

Has anyone recently asked you to contribute to a new charity or get involved in a lottery?

We also have a questionnaire that we use to help spot activities that may be putting you at risk. Would you like to look at it?

Closing comments

Do you need any help getting home?

I look forward to continuing this conversation with you over time.

Please call me with any questions before our next meeting. All questions are important. Don't be embarrassed about asking what you think is a simple question. I want to help in any way that I can.