Time to plan for now!

Writing a life plan for this year helps you prioritise what is important and what steps and strategies you need to achieve your goals. Having a life plan helps:

• You to stay in control and have purpose.
• The people who support you (family and friends, professionals) understand what you want, and means they can help you live your plan.

Your life plan is flexible. As things change in your life, your plan might need to change.

Forward with Dementia provides the My life plan worksheet to help you to identify your goals and work out how to overcome barriers to achieve those goals.

Get a Care Plan

As well as making a life plan, speak to your GP to arrange a Care Plan. Read our recent news article How your GP and practice nurse can help with information about Chronic Disease Management Plans and Mental Health Treatment Plans. With these plans you can receive Medicare rebated visits to allied health and psychological services to help you manage symptoms and changes.

Plan to use services

Services help you maintain independence and provide practical and emotional support to improve your wellbeing. As well as visiting your GP and specialist, consider how allied health services can help you manage symptoms of dementia.

Also consider home and community services which help you at home or when out an about. These services are provided through the Federal government’s My Aged Care, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Dementia information and support services are also available via Dementia Australia, as well as Dementia Support Australia for people with dementia where changed behaviours are impacting their lives or the lives of their carer.