278. How To Avoid The Most Expensive Mistake Dementia Caregivers Make

“The most expensive mistake dementia caregivers make isn’t medical—it’s waiting too long to secure legal and financial footing.” Episode 278 is a straight-talk coaching call with Margie that every Christian caregiver needs to hear. Lizette begins with her signature prompt to create clarity: “So let’s say it’s six months from today and things are easier in your caregiving journey. What would that look like for you?” Margie’s goal: stop working outside the home and still care well for her husband (early dementia). From there, the plan is practical, biblical, and doable: 1) Protect assets before capacity is lost If a loved one can no longer legally sign, options shrink overnight. Meet with an elder care/estate planning attorney now to explore trusts, life estate options, and state-specific tools that safeguard the home, annuities, and savings. Stewardship, not panic. 2) Audit and update documents annually Confirm you have: Durable Power of Attorney (financial) Health Care Power of Attorney Living Will/Advance Directives Review yearly so successor agents are still appropriate. God is not a God of confusion—keep your paperwork in order. 3) Plan for 24-hour care (even if it never comes) “Begin with the end in mind.” If illness progresses, one person cannot safely do it alone. Backward-plan staffing, funding, and respite now. Consider a trusted “financial social worker” or advisor who structures income so the well spouse isn’t impoverished. 4) Use a “directed conversation” When updating paperwork with your spouse, don’t present 100 options. Narrow to two or three wise choices, then invite a decision. That’s Therapeutic Truth-Telling™ in action—clear, kind, dignity-preserving. The Think Different Dementia Method™ keeps your care relationship-centered and Scripture-anchored—so you steward two lives: theirs and yours. 🎟 Next live Ask the Dementia Coach Q and A: Saturday, August 23 at 12 p.m. ET. Bring your specifics and leave with a plan: thinkdifferentdementia.com/ask   💬 What Do I Say When Dementia Makes Words Hard? Speak Calm, Not Just Words Get “What Do I Say? How to Connect with Your Loved One with Dementia” — a free guide for Christian caregivers navigating confusion, repetition, and emotional moments. ✅ 10 ready-to-use scripts ✅ Rooted in Scripture ✅ Built on the Therapeutic Truth-Telling™ model Download the guide now: https://www.dementiacaregivingmadeeasy.com/script   🤝 You Don’t Have to Do This Alone Join other Christian caregivers who are walking this road too — and learning how to care with compassion, clarity, and faith. 👥 Join the free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dementiacaregiversupportforchristians   🗣️ Ask Your Question Live — and Be Heard Bring your real-life caregiving questions to Ask the Dementia Coach — our free monthly Q&A session. You’ll get support, clarity, and maybe even be featured on the podcast. Brought to you every month! 🎤 Register here: https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/ask   🎓 Want to Reduce Overwhelm Right Now? Join our free workshop: How to Immediately Reduce Dementia Caregiver Overwhelm and Stress — in 3 Simple Steps ✅ Practical tools ✅ Faith-informed strategies ✅ Same-day results Reserve your seat: https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/wsl   🧭 Still Feeling Stuck? If you’re wondering what’s underneath your stress, the Caregiver Stress Assessment can help clarify what’s really weighing you down — so you can take your next step with peace. Take the free assessment: https://www.thinkdifferentdementia.com/dca   ❤️ Enjoy This Podcast? Leave a quick review on Apple or Spotify — it helps other Christian caregivers find encouragement and real help. 🎧 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts