Precautionary options and adult representation
To make the right decisions on behalf of a relative or to support them in their decision-making, you need to know them well. People with dementia are often confronted with the question of which activities they can still carry out themselves, and, similarly, which affairs they still can or want to manage independently.
Note: According to Adult Protection Law, the aim is to maintain a person's independence for as long as possible. The law is also the basis for all precautionary measures that should be taken. In the case of dementia-related changes, all decisions should ultimately be taken in accordance with the wishes and needs of the person affected.
Decisions of people with dementia can only truly reflect their best interests if relatives and other close persons or caregivers are familiar with their personality, wishes, needs and lifestyle. There are also many ways to record how the person with dementia would like to live in the future: for example in life books and biographical notebooks, where wishes and needs can be documented together with relatives at an early stage. These records provide guidance once the person's dementia is at an advanced stage. Nevertheless, it is important to review such records regularly, to make decisions together, and to involve the person concerned as much as possible.
If dementia is diagnosed, it is advisable to set up a power of attorney for healthcare. If this has not been done before the dementia progresses, adult representation is still an option.
You can find more detailed information on all types of representation on the basis of adult protection law here:
Last updated: September 24, 2025
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