It’s important to remember that life doesn’t stop after a diagnosis of dementia, including the ‘boring bits’! In the early stages, families can work together to manage important tasks like legal arrangements, financial planning, and managing daily responsibilities. Addressing issues such as medications, bills, wills, driving and accessing services before further significant cognitive decline occurs, ensures that everyone can understand and respect their loved ones wishes for the future, ultimately easing future stress for the family.
“It’s not about taking away independence or autonomy, it’s about respecting the wishes of your loved ones”
While the diagnosis of dementia can be overwhelming, the realities of “life administration” can be particularly burdensome for caregivers and families as decisions need to be made rapidly.
Listen to our caregivers share how they supported their loved ones living with dementia, balancing the need for quick decision-making with honouring their wishes, to ensure a comfortable and peaceful journey:
Whilst it’s impossible to capture everything – compartmentalising the ‘boring bits’ of life into four overarching components might help break down the reality of life burdens into smaller, more manageable chunks:
Wills
Thinking ahead is essential for managing legal matters, such as updating wills and planning for future care needs.
Wheels
If your loved one is driving, arrange for an assessment with a medical practitioner. Not everyone has to give up driving altogether. They may be restricted to driving only during the daytime or within a finite area around their home. If they do have to relinquish their licence, giving up driving is often a difficult and emotional decision, that may be mandated. It is important to discuss alternatives early to keep people moving from A to B. Community support organisations can also provide transport services.
Pills
Medication management can become confusing, especially when a person is on multiple prescription medications. Taking medications correctly is critical to maintaining health. Your community pharmacist can assist you with ways to approach your loved one managing multiple medications.
Bills
As memory and cognitive function decline, managing finances, including paying bills on time, can become overwhelming.
“The modern world is not designed for the ageing population”
For many of us, the modern world can be a challenge to keep up with, but for people living with dementia, it can be downright impossible. For caregivers, taking on the administrative burden of life can be doubly complex, as they must balance the needs of their loved one and their own life.
Listen to our caregivers convey how they manage the administrative requirements of life for their loved ones living with dementia, and share some hints about where you can think ahead:
Compile a list of obligations that need to be met, especially those that may easily be forgotten like utilities and insurances.
For many services such as banking or utilities you may need to be listed as an authorised person. Contact relevant organisations to discuss how this can be done.
Engage with organisations that can provide support, such as home care services.
“She still wanted to get to her social groups, which was important for her independence and her social connectiveness”
Whether preferring a bus or relying on a car, travelling is critical for many people to maintain a connection to community, family and friends. So, when a loved one living with dementia loses their ability to transport themselves, alternative ways to connect need to be considered.
Listen to our caregivers explain how they approached the challenge of getting their loved ones from A to B:
Driving in Australia after a diagnosis
In Australia, drivers are legally required to tell their relevant state or territory licensing authority of their diagnosis and to also inform their vehicle insurer. The licensing authority will request an initial assessment of the driver’s fitness to drive from their doctor. A formal driving assessment may also be required to determine whether it is safe for the individual to continue driving.
It’s important to explore and discuss alternative transportation options early on, such as using public transport, community or home-care package transport services, taxis, or arranging lifts with friends and family.
“It’s really important to find out exactly what you need to do.”
Thank you to our caregivers Jane, Marta, Neil, and Luke who were an invaluable primary resource for the content on this website. Other online resources that were consulted include the following (all were accessed in March 2025). The information in these sources may not comply with the Australian regulatory environment. The intent of providing this further material is informational and not as advice; any information provided in these sources should be discussed with your healthcare professional and does not replace their advice.
Dementia Australia. Can people with dementia drive?
HealthDirect. Dementia and Driving.
National Seniors Australia. Dementia and Driving Don’t Mix.
This website was conceptualised and funded by Eisai Australia Pty Ltd and produced by Lateral Connections. The information on this website is general in nature only; please consult your healthcare professional for specific advice. The content is intended for Australians caring for someone living with dementia or who are living with dementia themselves. This website contains Australian-specific information; please check with local authorities for information pertaining to your region.
AU-NEUR-24-00061 / Date of Preparation: March 2025
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