Downsizing and planning for future care
Are you worried about your loved one’s future care and what to do with their belongings if they need to downsize? Here’s what you need to know…Â
Dementia is a progressive condition, which means your loved one will eventually require full-time care. Even if you live together, you may be unable to care for them on your own in the long term due to health or work commitments.
It's important not to feel guilty about the situation. Guilt can be a natural emotion among carers who feel they should be doing more, but remember you’re doing your best. You’re probably putting your loved one’s needs first most of the time and facing some complex challenges. So long as you act in your loved one’s best interests, there’s no need to feel guilty.
While it’s tempting to put off discussing future care, it’s essential to have the conversation as soon as possible.
Talk about future care
If you can, speak to your loved one and ask them about the type of care they would like to receive in the future. Ask what they want to happen and where they want to live.
If your loved one tells you they want to stay at home in the long term, you should start looking around now for a home care agency for the future. Don’t leave it until your loved one needs help, as this can create a sense of urgency and lead to hasty decisions.
Start researching local home care agencies in your loved one’s area to prepare you for when help is needed. The Care Quality Commission’s website reviews home care agencies and care homes, rating them in key areas, including whether the care they offer is:
• Safe
• Effective
• Caring
 • Responsive
• Well-led
Visit https://www.cqc.org.uk/ and type in the name and location of the agency you have in mind to read the rating they receive.
You might also need to start making your loved one’s home more dementia-friendly. This can mean making space by dealing with clutter and getting rid of some items of furniture they no longer need.
Creating space now will reduce the risk of falls and mean you have fewer items to dispose of if the person has to downsize and move.
Here are some key things to think about…
• Encourage the person to make a list of what they can get rid of now and what they would like to keep.
• Think about storage. Storage facilities may be a good short-term option for larger items, or your loved one might want to sell or give away some furniture they don’t need.
• Encourage the person to donate to local charity shops or even registered charities like the British Heart Foundation, who will usually come and collect larger items like furniture.
• Think short, medium and long-term about the items your loved one may want to keep or get rid of. Use our handy template to help you get started. <click here>.
• Encourage your loved one to shred and dispose of any old paperwork and items, including unwanted gifts and put photos in albums for safe-keeping.
• Be sensitive to your loved one’s wishes. If they want to keep certain items, respect their choices. Don’t make them feel they have to get rid of everything. Encourage them to declutter but also try to see things from their viewpoint.