Printable checklists for newly diagnosed families

1. The first 30 days checklist

Week 1

• Read the assessment letter together. Highlight unfamiliar terms;
• Share the letter with your GP;
• Take any prescribed medication exactly as directed;
• Note side effects in a brief diary;
• Call the Alzheimer's Society Dementia Connect Support Line (0333 150 3456);
• Tell two trusted people.

Week 2

• Begin Lasting Power of Attorney for health and finance;
• Review or write a will;
• Check eligibility for Attendance Allowance, PIP, Council Tax reduction;
• Notify the DVLA and motor insurer.

Week 3

• Book a vascular risk MOT with GP (blood pressure, lipids, glucose);
• Begin a regular exercise programme;
• Make three Mediterranean-style diet swaps;
• Confirm hearing aids and glasses are working and in use.

Week 4

• Find a local Memory Cafe and Singing for the Brain group;
• Request a Carer's Assessment from your local council;
• Make simple home safety adjustments;
• Establish a weekly routine;
• Diary follow-up appointments.

2. Legal and financial groundwork checklist

• Lasting Power of Attorney, health and welfare;
• Lasting Power of Attorney, property and finance;
• Updated will;
• Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (if relevant);
• Funeral wishes recorded (formal pre-paid plan optional);
• DVLA and motor insurer notified;
• Travel insurance reviewed;
• Life and critical illness insurance reviewed;
• Bank notified of LPA once registered;
• Pension provider notified of LPA once registered;
• Council notified for Council Tax exemption;
• Attendance Allowance or PIP claim submitted;
• Carer's Allowance claim submitted (where applicable);
• Employer informed (where applicable);
• Access to Work application (where applicable);
• Carer's Assessment requested from the council.

3. Pre-appointment checklist

Before any GP or memory clinic appointment:

• Three top concerns written down;
• Examples of any new symptoms (dates, what happened);
• Current medication list with doses;
• Recent letters from other specialists;
• Latest blood test results, if not in the GP record;
• Hearing aids and glasses;
• A family member or close friend, if possible;
• Pen and paper for notes;
• Questions about next steps to ask before leaving.

4. Hospital admission checklist

For any planned or emergency admission:

• Current medication list, with doses and timing;
• "This is Me" leaflet completed;
• Life Story Book or summary;
• List of allergies and intolerances;
• Hearing aids, glasses, dentures (with cases);
• Mobility aids;
• Comfortable clothing for several days;
• Toiletries;
• Familiar objects: photograph, small ornament, music device;
• Contact details for next of kin and attorneys (if any);
• LPA documents (copies);
• Advance Decision and ReSPECT form (copies if relevant);
• GP contact details.

5. Family meeting agenda

For a structured family conversation about dementia care:

• What has changed: a brief update on cognition, behaviour, function;
• Medical status: latest letter, medication, follow-up;
• Daily life: what is working, what is not;
• Caring arrangements: who does what, how is it sustainable;
• Practical priorities: legal, financial, home, transport;
• The carer: how is the main carer coping;
• Next steps: who will do what before the next meeting;
• Date of next meeting: 4 to 6 weeks ahead.

How to use the checklists

Print and tick off as you go. Adapt to your situation; not every item applies to everyone. Use the checklists alongside, not instead of, professional advice from your GP, memory clinic, solicitor and social worker.