Ask Dr. Marc: What are “goals of care”?

September 2025

When someone is living with dementia, families often hear the phrase “goals of care.” At its heart, this simply means taking time to think about what matters most to your loved one and how medical and supportive care can align with those values. It is not only about what treatments are provided, but also about the type of life your loved one wishes to lead as their needs change.

Goals of care conversations can cover a wide range of topics. For some families, the priority might be keeping a person at home for as long as possible with the right support. For others, it may be comfort and dignity above all else, or making sure social and spiritual connections remain strong. These conversations also touch on medical decisions, like how aggressive treatments should be if new health problems arise, or what kinds of care feel too burdensome.

The important part is that these choices are not made in a vacuum. They should include the voice of the person with dementia whenever possible, as well as family members and trusted clinicians. When everyone is clear about the plan, it reduces stress during difficult moments and makes sure the care being delivered truly honors the person at the center of it all.

At Lizzy Care, our navigators are skilled at guiding families through these conversations. We can also connect you with elder care attorneys and medical professionals to help document and carry out your wishes.

Each month, Dr. Marc Rothman, our CEO and a seasoned geriatric expert, addresses your concerns, providing practical advice and compassionate solutions to the challenges faced by those caring for loved ones with dementia. Whether you’re looking for strategies to manage daily care routines or need clarity on medical aspects of dementia, Dr. Marc is here to help. Join us to explore his responses to community questions and submit your own queries to deepen your understanding and enhance your caregiving journey.

If there’s a question you’d like to ask Dr. Marc send it to us.