Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a Dementia Directive?
This directive is useful for anyone who has opinions about the type of care that they would want if they were to develop dementia. Many people have had a friend, family or loved one develop dementia and they have seen the complexities in care that these individuals face. You may be interested in planning in advance for the type of care that you would want in this scenario. This directive helps you and your family members and potential caregivers to do that planning.
I already have an advance directive; do I also need this directive?
Your standard advance directive addresses many aspects of medical care and the decisions that your caregivers may need to make should you end up in an accident or otherwise be unable to make decisions for yourself. However standard advance directives may not thoroughly cover the situation of dementia, since the loss of decisional capacity in dementia is gradual, occurring over a long period of time. While your standard advance directive may be helpful in making some decisions regarding care in the setting of dementia, this directive, specifically designed for dementia, will help your wishes be more clearly expressed.
Why do I need a Dementia Directive?
This directive is useful for anyone who has opinions about the type of care that they would want if they were to develop dementia. Many people have had a friend, family or loved one develop dementia and they have seen the complexities in care that these individuals face. You may be interested in planning in advance for the type of care that you would want in this scenario. This directive helps you and your family members and potential caregivers to do that planning.
I already have an advance directive; do I also need this directive?
Your standard advance directive addresses many aspects of medical care and the decisions that your caregivers may need to make should you end up in an accident or otherwise be unable to make decisions for yourself. However standard advance directives may not thoroughly cover the situation of dementia, since the loss of decisional capacity in dementia is gradual, occurring over a long period of time. While your standard advance directive may be helpful in making some decisions regarding care in the setting of dementia, this directive, specifically designed for dementia, will help your wishes be more clearly expressed.
When should I fill out the Dartmouth Dementia Directive?
This document should be completed by someone who has full capacity to make medical decisions. It can be revisited and re-drafted at any time, so it is a good idea to fill it out, even if you think your preferences might change. It is particularly important for people over the age of 60 to complete this document, as the risk of dementia increases with age. The document can be completed by anyone over the age of 18.
Do I need a lawyer or physician to complete the Dartmouth Dementia Directive?
Both of these professionals (lawyer and physician) may be helpful to you in filling out the Dartmouth Dementia Directive. However, the directive was developed so that it can be downloaded, understood and utilized without these individuals. Many people find it useful to have caregivers, friends, and family involved in the filling out of this document.
What is a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPOA-HC)?
The Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPOA-HC) is someone carefully chosen by you to represent you should you become unable to make or express your own decisions for care. The DPOA-HC should be someone whom you trust, who knows you well, and will be willing and able to work with your healthcare providers to ensure that your wishes for care are followed. It can be a spouse or other family member, a close friend, or an associate. It may not be your physician or your lawyer. You should ask the person if they are willing to serve in this important role, and they must consent before you list them on your directive. The DPOA-HC for the Dartmouth Dementia Directive should be the same person who is named by you on your standard advance directive.
Do I also need a standard advance directive? If so, where can I find this?
The Dartmouth Dementia Directive does not replace a standard advance directive. It is designed to supplement a standard advance directive. Having a standard advance directive is a VERY IMPORTANT part of medical care and planning and, as such, should be completed by every adult. These two documents will work together to provide guidance to your caregivers about the care you would like to receive.
Advance directives are state-specific documents. You can find more information about your state’s advance directive at the following links.
Prepare for Your Care: Get Your State's Advance Directive
CaringInfo: Download Your State's Advance Directives
When should a completed Dartmouth Dementia Directive be used?
Once your doctor or nurse practitioner certifies that you lack the capacity to make health care decisions, the DPOA and health care providers should determine the stage of dementia (using the DSRS), and then consult the Dartmouth Dementia Directive to determine your wishes for care.
What is the legal status of the Dartmouth Dementia Directive?
The Dartmouth Dementia Directive is a way for you to express your wishes regarding medical care should you develop dementia. Advance directives, in general, are not legally binding documents. Potential caregivers and physicians will need to address your particular situation and determine how best to provide care.
The Dartmouth Dementia Directive includes spaces for you to sign and date every page. Many electronic medical record systems require name/date/and date of birth on every page of a document scanned into the record. We have added space for this in case your hospital requires it. You are welcome to complete it as you see fit.
A notary is another person who can be an official witness to your Dartmouth Dementia Directive document. Some states require this for advance care documents, others do not. It is important to consider the individual requirements of your state’s advance directive and to mirror these regulations for your Dartmouth Dementia Directive.