What Stage of Decline Are We In

Quiz Questions

• 1.
  How much help does your loved one need with daily activities (bathing, dressing, toileting, meals)?

  • A.
    Mostly independent
  • B.
    Small reminders or occasional hands-on help
  • C.
    Daily assistance with several tasks
  • D.
    Full hands-on help for most activities
• 2.
  How often are you noticing memory lapses or confusion?

  • A.
    Rarely- small forgetfulness now and then
  • B.
    A few times a week; enough that I'm paying attention
  • C.
    Daily; it's becoming a pattern
  • D.
    Constantly, they are confused most of the day
• 3.
  How is their mobility or balance?

  • A.
    Steady, no major changes. Independent with no devices.
  • B.
    A little unsteady at times; I'm starting to worry. Uses a cane or walker for confidence.
  • C.
    Relies on a walker for most movement and still has near falls or unsteadiness.
  • D.
    They can't walk safely without full assistance, even with their walker. May need a wheelchair.
• 4.
  How are they managing familiar tasks or routines?

  • A.
    Mostly fine- they just move a little slower than before.
  • B.
    Sometimes they get stuck or forget a step and need a quick reminder.
  • C.
    They often can't finish tasks without help or direction.
  • D.
    They no longer attempt familiar tasks at all; you have to do them.
• 5.
  Have you noticed changes in their eating or drinking?

  • A.
    No major changes, their appetite and hydration seem normal.
  • B.
    Some days they eat or drink less, but it varies.
  • C.
    They're eating significantly less and you've noticed some weight loss.
  • D.
    Eat only a couple of bites or lesss at each sitting. Barely eating or drinking at all.
• 6.
  How has their sleep or energy level changed?

  • A.
    No major changes, their sleep and energy are normal for them.
  • B.
    Some days they seem more tired or sleep longer.
  • C.
    More daytime sleeping and low energy.
  • D.
    Sleeping most of the day with limited alertness.
• 7.
  How often are you stepping in as the "decision maker"?

  • A.
    Rarely, they still make their own decisions confidently.
  • B.
    More often lately. They ask for guidance or reassurance.
  • C.
    Most of the time. They are relying of me to decide things.
  • D.
    Almost always. They're unable to make decisions on their own.
• 8.
  Have they needed emergency room visits or unplanned hospital care recently?

  • A.
    None- no ER visits or hospitalizations in the last year.
  • B.
    One minor urgent-care or ER visit this year, but no admissions to the hospital.
  • C.
    Multiple ER visits or 1-2 hospitalizations in the last year.
  • D.
    Frequent ER visits or repeated hospitalizations that are coming closer and closer together.

Quiz Outcomes

• 1.
  Early Stage of Decline

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  ⭐ Your Loved One Appears to Be in the Early Stage of DeclineYou’re noticing little shifts — subtle memory lapses, small changes in confidence, small dips in functioning. Nothing dramatic… but enough that your gut is nudging you to pay attention.And that instinct? It’s almost always right.Early decline can look like:• Occasional forgetfulness • Needing reminders for familiar routines • Moving more slowly • Relying on you a little more than before • Subtle mood changesThis stage is often missed by doctors and families, but YOU are noticing it — and that matters. Early awareness gives you something most caregivers never get: ✨ Time. ✨ Choice. ✨ A chance to prepare before crisis hits.What to Expect NextEarly decline tends to progress gradually, and you may see:• More hesitation with decision-making • Increasing need for prompts • Mild safety concerns • More emotional dependence on you Nothing here means “panic.” It simply means “prepare.”What You Can Do Right NowThis is the *perfect* stage to get ahead of the big decisions so you’re not scrambling later.Here are your next right steps:• Start gentle conversations about preferences • Learn which documents matter most • Identify the best surrogate decision-maker • Begin planning before the next medical appointment or hospitalization How Own Your End (OYE) Can Help YouYou’re in the exact place my guided planning session was designed for.My small, intimate workshop will help you:• Get clear guidance for what’s happening, and what comes next• Avoid the most common early-stage mistakes caregivers make• Understand exactly which documents matter, and get clarity on the essential paperwork you need now • Make difficult conversations easier and more natural• Get peace and direction — before things get harder You don’t need to figure this out alone. You ARE early — and that’s a gift. Let’s use it.
• 2.
  Noticeable Stage of Decline

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  ⭐ Your Loved One Appears to Be in the Noticeable Stage of DeclineYou’re seeing changes more often now — not every moment, but enough that it’s becoming a pattern. You’ve moved past the “Is this normal?” stage and into “Okay… something is definitely different.”This is the stage where most caregivers begin to feel concerned, and that makes complete sense.Noticeable decline often looks like:• Forgetting steps in familiar routines • Needing reminders throughout the day • Occasional confusion or mixed-up dates • More emotional shifts or irritability • Subtle safety concerns • A growing dependence on you for guidanceYou’re not imagining this. What you’re noticing is real — and it’s incredibly common.What to Expect NextThis stage can progress slowly… or it can suddenly accelerate after an illness, fall, or stressful event.You might see:• More frequent slip-ups • Difficulty making decisions • Increased anxiety or fearfulness • Reduced appetite or energy • More hands-on help needed with daily activities This is where being proactive makes ALL the difference.What You Can Do Right NowThis is the ideal time to start putting key pieces in place before the next shift happens.Your next right steps:• Get clear on your loved one’s care preferences • Assure essential documents are in place, or complete them if they're not • Make sure the correct surrogate/decision-maker is named • Prepare for upcoming medical appointments • Begin planning to prevent “crisis-mode decisions” • Look for early signs of caregiver burnout in yourself Small steps now prevent overwhelming steps later.How Own Your End (OYE)Can Help YouThis is exactly the stage where my guided planning session changes everything.In my intimate OYE workshop, you’ll:• Understand what these changes truly mean • Learn what to prepare *before* decline accelerates • Get a clear direction and understanding of what to expect • Build confidence for the decisions ahead • Understand and complete essential documentation• Stop second-guessing yourself You’re not behind. You’re not overreacting. You’re in the *perfect* place to get prepared — and I’m here to guide you.
• 3.
  Concerning Stage of Decline

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  ⭐ Your Loved One Appears to Be in the Concerning Stage of DeclineYou’re carrying a lot right now. What once felt like “helping out” has shifted into “managing everything,” and you can feel that weight every single day. This isn’t just forgetfulness or slowing down anymore. You’re seeing real changes… and they’re affecting daily life in a big way.Concerning decline often looks like:• Needing hands-on help with dressing, bathing, or meals • Regular confusion or repeated questions • Near-falls or unsafe mobility • Trouble navigating familiar places or tasks • Emotional overwhelm, agitation, or fear • You are stepping in as the primary decision-maker You’re not being dramatic. You’re not imagining it. You’re the one holding everything together — and that’s a heavy role.What to Expect NextThis stage can feel unpredictable, and like a rollar coaster with some good days and bad ones. Some days are okay… and others hit like a wave.Common progression signs:• More frequent confusion • Increased physical dependence • Worsening appetite or hydration • More sleep, less engagement • Increasing caregiver fatigue (that’s you) This stage often comes with a sense of “I know what’s coming, but I’m not ready.” That’s completely normal.What You Can Do Right NowYou need clarity — and you need a plan that reduces the fear of the unknown.Your next right steps:• Understand what the next 3–12 months may look like • Ensure all documents and wishes are clear and accessible • Prepare for future hospitalizations or emergencies • Put a safety and support plan in place • Learn what signs indicate a shift into late decline You don’t need perfection. You just need direction — and support.How OYE Can Help YouThis is the exact stage my guided planning workshop was designed to support.In my intimate OYE session, you’ll:• Understand what these changes likely mean• Learn exactly what to prepare for next • Feel more prepared and less overwhelmed• Gain clarity and confidence for decisions you know are coming • Understand and complete essential documents you need• Get the support you need so you don't feel alone in this You’ve been carrying this quietly. You don’t have to carry it alone.
• 4.
  Advanced Stage Decline

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  ⭐ Your Loved One Appears to Be in the Advanced Stage of DeclineYou’ve been noticing profound changes — and your heart knows this stage is different. This isn’t just slowing down. This isn’t occasional forgetfulness.This is deeper. Heavier. More vulnerable.And I want you to know this first: You are not failing. You are not alone. And what you’re seeing is something many families face — but very few are prepared for.Advanced-stage decline often looks like:• Needing full assistance with daily tasks • Reduced appetite or barely eating • Sleeping most of the day • Significant confusion or disorientation • Very limited mobility or no longer walking safely • Difficulty communicating needs • Emotional withdrawal or quietness This stage is tender — for both your loved one and for you.What to Expect NextLate decline often unfolds in waves, and it can be hard to know what’s “normal” versus what’s urgent.You might see:• Increasing physical weakness • More time sleeping than awake • Less interest in conversations or food • Emotional moments that leave you breathless This stage can feel lonely… even when you’re surrounded by people.What You Can Do Right NowYour focus now is on comfort, clarity, and connection — not perfection.Your next right steps:• Understand what the final months or weeks commonly look like • Learn which changes are expected versus concerning • Begin preparing emotionally and practically • Have important comfort-focused conversations • Explore hospice or supportive services (if you haven't already) • Make space for meaningful moments You deserve guidance and reassurance at every step.How Own Your End (OYE) Can Help YouMy guided planning session was created with caregivers in *exactly* this stage in mind.Together, we’ll help you:• Get clear on what you're seeing and what it means • Get clarity on what comes next • Feel more prepared for the decisions you’ll be asked to make • Help you shift from fear to confidence • Make choices that reflect your loved one's values and wishes• Gain confidence and calm during a difficult stage • Understand and complete the essential documents you needYou deserve clarity and confidence for what's ahead. You don't have to navigate this alone. I can guide you through the next steps.