Once you have your life plan, it’s time to put it into action. This part can feel the hardest, especially when dementia has disrupted routines, careers, relationships, or family life. For many people with young-onset dementia and their carers, plans change more often than expected. Work may need to be adjusted, children might still be at home, or one partner might still be managing a busy household and job. That’s okay. The goal is not perfection, it’s about taking small, steady steps toward the things that matter most to you both. Change and uncertainty can be frightening; your life plan could implement routines to help limit stressful situations.
Have the important conversations
Putting your plan into action often involves conversations that may feel uncomfortable at first – about work, driving, money, or changes in daily life. These conversations are part of staying connected and being understood.
Here are some tips for approaching these conversations:
- Choose a time when all involved are calm and not rushed
- Prepare your main points in advance, in a way that works for you (for example, writing them down or recording a voice note)
- Be open about your goals, your feelings, and what kind of support you’d find helpful
- Ask a trusted person to join you or help mediate
- Focus on what’s most important now and in the near future, rather than old frustrations or past disagreements
- Allow others time to process – these are big topics for everyone involved
This website gives you ideas for how to approach conversations such as stopping driving, being assertive with health professionals and getting assistance from other people to help you meet your goals.
Maria, who supports her husband, told us that she had a goal of getting back to going out by herself, but felt incredibly guilty leaving Mario at home when she went out. She felt bad that as she closed the door, she felt a sense of freedom.
It was like a weight was lifted from me, but it wasn’t long before the worry took over. ‘Is Mario OK? Will he know where I left his lunch?’ I felt increasingly bad that I was out enjoying myself. I gave up almost everything I used to do.
The counsellor suggest we work on writing down the things that were worrying me about going out. I found it hard – and I actually thought it was a bit silly when I started, but I found that we could unpick why I felt so guilty. There were lots of reasons and I could work on each of them. It took a while, but now I keep up contact with girlfriends and church activities and Mario is happy in a men’s group at church.
Your life plan may involve talking with health professionals, and this can feel daunting. Some ideas to approach conversations with health professionals include
- Write down points you want to make, so you don’t forget anything.
- Be specific and clear about your requests (e.g. “I’d like a chronic condition management plan to help me with this goal….”) or questions (“How likely is it that I’ll lose my driver’s licence?”).
- If you feel like your doctor, health professional or service provider is not listening to you, or not respecting your wishes, try another.
- Ask for your life plan to be supported by your clinical care or service care plan. The Australian Clinical Practice Guidelines for Dementia suggests that people with dementia have a clinical care plan (could also be called a chronic condition management plan for dementia) which is a plan for how you jointly manage dementia and its symptoms. Many people with dementia don’t get such a plan, so you might need to ask your GP.
- You can also read the ‘Consumer Companion Guide’ to the Australian Clinical Practice Guidelines to ensure you are aware of current evidence based recommendations for post-diagnostic care. The Australian Clinical Practice Guidelines for Dementia are being updated in 2026
Read the page 2.9 Sharing the diagnosis with professionals and 2.13 Be assertive with doctors and other health professionals which can help you get the support you need to meet your life plan goals.
Use services to achieve goals in your life plan
Services can provide support for you to achieve goals in your life plan. However, for people under 65, navigating services can be tricky. Some supports fall under the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), while others are available through community services or health programs. Many people hesitate to use services because they fear it means losing independence. Other people may not apply because they feel that they do not need any help right now. It is important to know the process to get NDIS services, and sometimes services may not be 100% “right”, but supports can help you and the person living with dementia maintain independence and make everyday life smoother. Services can be dependent on where you live, with rural and remote areas having fewer options.
Services that can be useful include:
- Support coordinators who can help you navigate NDIS or My Aged Care
- Respite programs that give carers time to rest or pursue work and hobbies
- Employment assistance for adapting or rethinking work roles
- Counselling or peer support
- Home support for help with cleaning, meals, or transport
- Support for exercise and wellness activities, hobbies or other interests
Services can take time to arrange and may vary in quality. It’s frustrating but try to be persistent. It’s worth finding the people and organisations that genuinely understand young-onset dementia and its unique impacts and needs.
Keep adjusting your plan
Life plans aren’t set in stone. As your situation changes, review your plan and update it. Small steps add up; what matters is staying engaged with what gives your life meaning.
Putting your life plan into action is about progress, not perfection. Celebrate what you’re doing – even small wins count.
Putting your life plan into action
- Revisit your My Life Plan worksheet every few months
- Tick off what’s working and adjust what’s not
- Ask yourself, “What’s one thing I could do this week to feel more connected or in control?”
Photo: Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash.
