The paperwork to sort out early (while it's still easy)

The least emotional part of dementia care is the part families most often regret postponing: paperwork. While your loved one can still express their wishes and sign, three things are worth handling almost everywhere in the world:

1. Power of attorney / legal representation — who may decide when they can't. Doing this later, through a court, is slower and harder.
2. Care benefits — most countries have allowances or care grades that must be applied for. The waiting times are long; apply earlier than feels necessary.
3. A home safety walk-through — locks, stove, stairs, medications. One afternoon now prevents the most common emergencies later.

The details differ by country — that's exactly why this category exists. What are you dealing with right now, and where are you stuck? Someone here may have already fought that same office.