Module 2 Lesson 3. Supported decision-making To prepare for decisions that you might have to make for the person living with dementia it is important to: Gather the information you need to make informed choices for the person as early in the course of the disease as possible. Talk about decisions with your family, friends, doctor and any others close to you to help with decisions that are important to you both. Prepare instructions that accurately reflect the wishes of the person living with dementia, in accordance with your country’s law (advance directives), and inform each other and your doctor about your preferences and decisions concerning medical treatment. Remember You can make decisions in the best interest of a person living with dementia by taking the following aspects into account: Their past and present wishes and feelings (and, in particular, any relevant statement written when they did not have dementia). Beliefs and values that may have influenced the person’s decision when he or she did not have dementia. The views of anyone named by the person you care for as someone to be consulted to help with making decisions. Be aware that the best interest of the person you care for is not always the same as your own best interest or that of other family members. In the end, it is the best interest of the person you care for that counts, since the decision concerns them. Take into account that someone’s past wishes can be different from their present ones.