NAVIGATOR 7 | What If My Memory Fades?

A proactive guide to protecting voice, dignity, and independence over time.

MEET DAVID

David noticed it first with small things. A name that took longer to surface. A detail that slipped away. Nothing alarming — just noticeable. Then a friend told him what it was like caring for a parent with cognitive decline. The hardest part wasn’t the memory loss itself. It was the guessing.

What would they have wanted? Who should decide? How do we know we’re doing this right? That conversation stayed with David. He wasn’t afraid of aging. He wasn’t even afraid of memory loss. He was afraid of losing his voice - of decisions being made for him instead of by him, of dignity being replaced by uncertainty. David didn’t want to wait for a crisis. He wanted to prepare while clarity was still present.

The real question became:

“How do I make sure my values, wishes, and independence are protected - even if my memory changes?”

WHAT THIS NAVIGATOR IS:

A dignity-first, values-centered guide to planning for cognitive change — ensuring your voice, preferences, and decision-making authority remain clear even if your capacity changes. This Navigator is not about diagnosis. It's about preparation and respect for your future self.

A CHECKLIST: To Help You Ask Some Important Questions.

Values & Voice

☐ What does dignity mean to me personally?

☐ What daily routines matter most to my sense of self?

☐ What decisions must always reflect my values?

Decision Authority

☐ Have I chosen a primary medical decision-maker?

☐ Have I chosen a backup medical decision-maker?

☐ Have I chosen a primary financial decision-maker?

☐ I've I chosen a backup financial decision-maker?

Legal Readiness

☐ Is my medical power of attorney current?

☐ Is my financial power of attorney current?

☐ Are advance healthcare directives complete and clear?

Information & Access

☐ Is there a one-page summary of key contacts and accounts?

☐ Are financial accounts simplified and organized?

☐ Are passwords and access instructions documented securely?

Living Environment

☐ Does my home support routine and familiarity?

☐ Have I identified safety risks that could increase confusion?

☐ Are reminders, labels, or systems in place if needed later?

Health & Prevention

☐ Do I receive regular health and cognitive screenings?

☐ Does my lifestyle support brain health (sleep, movement, connection)?

Care Preferences

☐ Have I documented preferences for in-home care versus facilities?

☐ Have I clarified end-of-life comfort and care priorities?

Communication & Confidence

☐ Have I explained my wishes in plain language to my family?

☐ Do my decision-makers understand why my preferences matter?

Review & Continuity

☐ Have I shared this plan with my advisor?

☐ Do I review and update this plan regularly?

☐ Would my family feel confident honoring my wishes?

☐ Have I preserved my voice beyond legal documents?

ACTION PLAN

• Clarify what dignity and independence mean to you

• Choose primary and backup decision-makers

• Update medical and financial powers of attorney

• Write a short “My Voice” letter explaining values and preferences

• Create a one-page care and contact summary

• Simplify financial and personal systems

• Assess your living environment for clarity and safety

• Share your plan with family and advisors

• Review and update annually or after major changes

YOUR NEXT STEPS 

Today

• Write down the names of the four people who would matter most if decisions needed to be made quickly.

This Month

• Review or update powers of attorney.

• Draft a simple “My Voice” document in plain language.

• Identify one area of your life that could be simplified now.
  

This Year

• Revisit this plan annually as health, relationships, and priorities evolve.
  

Schedule a Conversation: We are focused on aligning cognitive planning with financial and estate structures - ensuring dignity, clarity, and peace of mind. Reach out to your Financial Advisor if you'd like to discuss further!

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www.gentianfinancial.com | PH 262.518.7575 | 12740 N River Road, Mequon WI

Opinions expressed in the attached article are those of the author/speaker and are not necessarily those of Raymond James. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Gentian Financial Inc is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.