Esther C. Kane, C.D.S.
Dealing with dementia in the family is tough, and it brings a lot of big decisions with it. One of the biggest ones might be figuring out what to do with the person’s house.
Should you sell it? How do you even start?
This article is here to help guide caregivers and families through this process, offering helpful advice and support.
Can Someone With Dementia Sell Their Home?
The answer is yes – a person with dementia can sell their house if they have the mental capacity to understand the transaction and its implications.
If their cognitive impairment is advanced and they are unable to make informed decisions, a durable power of attorney or legal guardian may need to handle the sale on their behalf.
It is crucial to consult with legal professionals to ensure all actions are in compliance with the law and in the best interest of the person with dementia.
Legal And Financial Considerations
Making Sure Everything is Legal
When someone has dementia, it can be tricky to know if they’re able to make big decisions like selling a house.
This is where legal advice comes in handy. If there’s a power of attorney (a legal document that lets someone else make decisions for them), then the process can be smoother.
Make sure all the paperwork is correct and up-to-date to avoid any problems.
Understanding Power of Attorney
Power of Attorney is a crucial legal document, especially in cases where dementia is involved. It allows a trusted person, chosen by the individual before their cognitive decline, to make decisions on their behalf.
There are different types of Power of Attorney, and for financial matters, including selling a house, a Financial Power of Attorney is required.
It’s important to ensure that this document is set up while the person with dementia still has the capacity to understand and make this decision.
Looking After Their Money
Once the house is sold, it’s important to make sure that the money is placed somewhere that can benefit your loved one.
Talking to a financial advisor can help make sure that the money from the sale is used in the best way possible, especially for their future care.
Emotional Aspects
Understanding the Emotional Side
Selling a family home is more than just a financial transaction; it’s a significant emotional event, especially when a loved one has dementia.
The house may hold a lifetime of memories, and letting go of it can feel like losing a part of the family history.
For the person with dementia, this change can be particularly overwhelming, as they rely on familiarity and routine for comfort and security.
Navigating Change with Empathy
It’s crucial for caregivers to approach the situation with empathy and patience. Acknowledge the emotional weight of the decision and provide ample support to your loved one.
If they are able to express their feelings, encourage them to share their thoughts and memories associated with the home.
This can be a therapeutic process, helping them to gradually come to terms with the change.
Involving Them in the Process
Depending on their cognitive abilities, involve your loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible.
This can help them feel respected and valued, providing a sense of control in a situation where they may feel helpless.
Managing Anxiety and Confusion
The process of selling a house and potentially moving can lead to increased anxiety and confusion for a person with dementia.
Maintain a calm and reassuring demeanor, and try to keep their routine as consistent as possible.
If they become agitated or upset, focus on comforting them and redirecting their attention to positive topics or memories.
Preparing for Emotional Reactions
Be prepared for a range of emotional reactions, including anger, sadness, denial, and grief. Understand that these reactions are normal and provide a safe space for your loved one to express their feelings.
Seek professional support if needed, such as counseling or support groups, to help navigate these complex emotions.
Focusing on Positive Aspects
While acknowledging the loss, try to also focus on the positive aspects of the change.
Discuss the benefits of the new living arrangement, whether it’s a safer environment, closer proximity to family, or access to better care.
Highlighting these positive aspects can help ease the transition and provide comfort to your loved one.
Providing Continuous Support
Remember that the emotional impact of selling the house may continue long after the sale is complete.
Continue to provide support, understanding, and reassurance to your loved one, helping them to adjust to their new living situation and ensuring they feel loved and secure.
Practical Tips And Advice
Here is a list of tips for family caregivers of someone who is needing to sell their house but is suffering from dementia.
- Consult with Medical Professionals: Before making any major decisions, consult with the person’s healthcare providers to understand the extent of their dementia and their capacity to participate in decision-making.
- Seek Legal Advice: Engage a lawyer who specializes in elder law or estate planning to ensure that all legal aspects of the sale are handled correctly, especially if a Power of Attorney is needed.
- Establish Power of Attorney: If not already in place, establish a Financial Power of Attorney to allow a trusted family member or friend to make financial decisions on behalf of the person with dementia.
- Gather Important Documents: Ensure all necessary documents such as property deeds, mortgage information, and previous home sale documents are in order and accessible.
- Consider the Timing: Evaluate the housing market and consult with a real estate professional to determine the best time to sell the property.
- Prepare the House for Sale: Clean, declutter, and make necessary repairs to the house to make it appealing to potential buyers.
- Create a Comfortable Transition: Plan for a smooth transition for your loved one, whether it’s moving them to a care facility or another living arrangement, ensuring their comfort and safety.
- Communicate Openly: Maintain open and honest communication with the person with dementia, involving them in the process as much as their cognitive abilities allow.
- Provide Emotional Support: Understand that selling a family home can be an emotional process for everyone involved, and provide support to your loved one.
- Work with Experienced Professionals: Engage professionals who have experience dealing with dementia patients and the sale of their properties to guide you through the process.
- Consider Future Care Needs: Ensure that the proceeds from the sale are managed properly to provide for the future care needs of the person with dementia.
- Stay Organized: Keep all documents related to the sale organized and accessible, and maintain a detailed record of all steps taken throughout the process.
- Seek Support for Yourself: Recognize that this process can be stressful for caregivers as well, and seek support from support groups or counseling if needed.
- Be Patient and Understanding: Understand that the process may take time, and be patient and understanding throughout, keeping the best interests of your loved one in mind.
- Plan for the Future: Use this opportunity to also discuss and plan for other future care needs and decisions, ensuring that everything is in place as the dementia progresses.
Conclusion
Selling a house when a loved one has dementia is a big task, and it’s filled with emotions.
But with the right information, support, and professional help, caregivers can make the best decisions for everyone involved.
