Do I need the doctor to make an official diagnosis of Dementia?

Yes. This is absolutely the first step, legally - to move on.

Gena / Touch Matters

sueque50: Yes, he needs to see a neurologist, who could order a brain M.R.I.

Have your Dr or neurologist or neuropsychologist evaluate for dementia. While it’s true there is no cure and not a whole lot to be done, you will at least have that diagnosis in his records. You will know where you stand and can plan accordingly.

If your husband is on Medicare, contact your local Area Agency on Aging…Google it. They will come out and do a free evaluation to see if your husband qualifies for hospice palliative care. Still get with Dr first for official dementia diagnosis. Hospice will determine if your husband can have some palliative care and if qualified Medicare pays for that. Hospice does not mean end of life, they can also do palliative care. A certified nurse asst comes to bath him, a registered nurse comes weekly to check vitals and you have free access to both a social worker (who can help you find more help to hire if nec) there may even be grants that you can get to offset some of the cost of hired help and hospice even has a chaplain to come visit. Area on Aging may also have some volunteers to sit/visit with your husband while you do groc shopping or your own errands to run.

There is help, however you need to be proactive. Get an actual diagnosis from Dr first and then call Area Agency on Aging, tell them what diagnosis is and then ask them to come out for their evaluation…their help is invaluable.

You have POA and that’s a good start. After you get some care for your husband, then seek further advice form an elder care attorney near you. They will help with all the other legal stuff…wills, living wills, etc.

Please post and let us know what all you have done, it will give others guidance.

My Mom's PoA document specified 1 medical diagnosis of suffient impairment. I made an appointment for my Mom in the guise of her annual free Medicare wellness exam. I sent a note through my Mom's portal that I believe she has significant enough change in cognition that I wanted her tested and then the diagnosis results on the clinic letterhead and signed by the doctor. The doctor provided it.

I needed this "official" medical letter in order for my Mom's investment companies to accept my FPoA (and along with their own paperwork and protocols).

I would definitely make sure to get the diagnosis in an official format, like I did. Make sure to read the PoA document to know exactly what is required and specifically what authorities you, the PoA, is given.

FYI the doctor then also referred my Mom to OT for a virtual driving skills assessment, which she failed. Then that info went into her chart, the doc saw it and then filled out a form which she submitted to the state. This week I'm waiting to get the license cancellation letter from our Department of Public Safety.

Ok thank you

His Primary Care Provider could administer a mini-mental exam, and if your husband does not score within a certain range, the PCP can do a referral to a neurologist for more thorough testing and diagnosis.