It’s Not Just a Diagnosis — It’s a Starting Point

Receiving a dementia diagnosis is never easy. It often stirs up a whirlwind of emotion: fear, sadness, confusion — and sometimes silence. But this early stage is also a rare and meaningful opportunity. It’s a chance to reflect, to connect, and to begin building a legacy with purpose and clarity.

Legacy isn’t just about the end — it’s about the moments, memories, and messages that continue to shape your family long after words may fade. The challenge? Knowing where to begin.

That’s why we’ve created this guide of compassionate, gentle conversation prompts for families and individuals navigating this early chapter.

Paired with digital tools like Evaheld, these conversations can be recorded, stored, and shared on your terms — preserving identity, love, and story.

Why Early Conversations Are So Important

The early stage of dementia offers a unique window. Most people still have the capacity to communicate clearly, express their values, and make decisions — including how they want to be remembered and supported.

According to Dementia Australia, families who engage in open dialogue early experience better outcomes in both advance care planning and emotional wellbeing. Conversations now can prevent confusion later, while providing comfort and direction for everyone involved.

By documenting these insights in platforms like the Evaheld Legacy Vault, families create a lasting archive that reflects not just medical choices, but the heartbeat of the person behind them.

Before You Begin: Setting the Right Tone

• Create a safe space: Find a quiet, comfortable place. Avoid distractions.
• Be patient and open: This isn’t a single conversation — it’s a series of shared reflections.
• Use real objects: Photographs, recipes, music, or keepsakes can help spark memories and emotion.
• Let them lead: Honour the person’s pace. It’s their story, their voice.

Most importantly, approach the moment not with fear — but with gratitude for the chance to connect so deeply.

Conversation Prompts to Guide Your Legacy Journey

These prompts are grouped into themes to guide you through different parts of the

conversation. Each one can be written, recorded, or simply reflected upon in discussion.

1. Life Moments

• What are the three most meaningful moments of your life so far?
• Was there a decision you made that changed everything?
• What are you most proud of — personally or professionally?

2. Family and Relationships

• What do you hope your children or grandchildren always remember about you?
• Are there any stories about your parents or grandparents you want passed down?
• What family tradition means the most to you?

Use the Family Legacy Series for additional questions that spark reflection and storytelling.

3. Values and Beliefs

• What principles or values have guided your life?
• What advice would you give to your younger self — or to future generations?
• Is there a spiritual or cultural belief you’d like honoured?

These reflections can be documented in an advance care directive or captured as a message for loved ones through Evaheld.

4. Legacy Wishes

• How would you like to be remembered?
• Are there any specific messages you’d like to leave for birthdays, weddings, or milestones?
• What objects (photos, tools, recipes) hold deep meaning for you?

Recording these messages via Evaheld allows them to be shared at a later time, securely and privately.

5. Care and Preferences

• If there comes a time when you can’t express your wishes, what do you want others to know?
• Who would you trust to make decisions for you?
• What comforts you when you’re anxious, unwell, or overwhelmed?

These conversations support advance care planning and help carers create a person-centred support plan.

6. Reflection and Peace

• Is there anything you feel is “unfinished” that you’d like to revisit?
• Are there any stories or moments you’ve never shared, but always wanted to?
• What brings you peace right now?

These prompts are particularly helpful for creating legacy letters or voice messages within Evaheld, ensuring they’re saved for exactly the right moment.

Tips for Families Starting the Conversation

For many families, especially those in the sandwich generation, beginning these discussions can feel daunting.

Here’s how to ease into it:

• Start with curiosity: “Can I ask you something about your childhood?”
• Share something of your own: “I was thinking about what I’d want my kids to know about me. What about you?”
• Use humour or lightness: “You know you’ve got the best stories — we need to save those before you start making them up!”

The Evaheld Blog includes additional advice for navigating family dynamics during early legacy conversations.

Using Technology to Capture These Moments

Recording memories and preferences doesn’t have to be complicated.

Many individuals begin with:

• A single voice memo on a smartphone
• A photo captioned with a story
• A letter written over several days
• A 5-minute video on their favourite memory
• An Evaheld voice message to be sent on a future milestone

It’s about progress — not perfection. Every detail preserved becomes a gift for future generations.

What Carers and Power of Attorneys Should Know

These legacy conversations also support practical care decisions. Preferences around future care, routine, comfort, and family involvement can be added to medical files and legal plans.

By storing them in the Evaheld Legacy Vault, families ensure carers, clinicians, and loved ones are aligned — even if circumstances change.