What happens when memory starts to change, and the people around us are not sure what to say or do?

In this episode of Life Chapters, Money Choices, Kim Potgieter and Michael Avery are joined by Dr Ryan Fuller, specialist geriatric psychiatrist and founder of the Memory Care Group, for a compassionate conversation about dementia, family responsibility, capacity, financial decision-making and dignity.

Dementia is often spoken about as memory loss, but as Dr Fuller explains, it can affect far more than recall. It can change judgement, behaviour, emotions, safety, money decisions and the structure of family life. These changes can place families, spouses, adult children, caregivers and advisers in deeply sensitive positions, especially when questions of capacity, power of attorney and future care arise.

Kim reflects on the difficult moments financial planners face when they begin noticing changes in a client’s understanding or behaviour. How do you raise a concern without taking away a person’s dignity? Who should be involved? And what happens when the family has waited too long to speak openly?

This conversation is not about fear. It is about planning early, protecting choice and having the discussion while it can still be a discussion. Because when families talk sooner, they give themselves a better chance of acting with care, clarity and respect.

🎧 Tune in. Be brave. Be on purpose.