Yonkee & Toner

Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline

This is often the stage when memory and thinking changes become noticeable to others. While many people remain independent, now is the time to establish legal and healthcare plans while your loved one can still actively participate in decisions.

Planning today can help protect tomorrow. 💜

⚾ Good luck to the Blue Jays this weekend! ⚾

Yonkee & Toner is proud to sponsor the Blue Jays as they compete in the softball tournament here in Gillette this weekend.

We believe strong communities are built through teamwork, dedication, and supporting one another, values that are reflected both on and off the field. We are honored to support these athletes and wish them the very best as they take the field this weekend.

Join us in cheering on the Blue Jays and all of the teams participating in the tournament. Have fun, play hard, and make some great memories!

Stage 2 is often characterized by very mild changes in memory that may be noticed by the individual but are not typically obvious to family members, friends, or healthcare providers.

Examples might include occasionally forgetting names, misplacing items, or having difficulty recalling familiar words. These changes are often attributed to normal aging and may not interfere with daily life.

While a dementia diagnosis is not typically made at this stage, it can be an important opportunity to establish a cognitive baseline, discuss future wishes, and put essential legal documents in place.

Having conversations about healthcare directives, Powers of Attorney, and estate planning early allows individuals to make decisions for themselves while they still have full capacity to do so.

Planning ahead isn't about fear, it's about preserving independence, protecting choices, and giving families peace of mind for the future.

At Yonkee & Toner, we often work with families navigating the challenges that come with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia.

While we focus on the legal side, we also believe in sharing helpful resources. This Caregiver Support Group is available in our community for those who could use support and connection along the way.

Community Event Highlight:
The Gillette Little Levi Rodeo is one of Campbell County's longest-running youth traditions and has been introducing local children to rodeo for more than six decades. This year marks its 66th year!

Over the years, it has become a rite of passage for many Campbell County families, with generations of local cowboys and cowgirls competing in the same events.

Alison and her kids have all participated in this wonderful event!

Stage 1 Dementia: No Observable Impairment

Stage 1 is the earliest stage on the dementia progression scale. At this point, there are no noticeable symptoms, and individuals are able to function independently in their daily lives.

While no cognitive decline is apparent, this stage serves as an important reminder that brain health should not be taken for granted. Establishing a cognitive baseline, staying current with medical checkups, and discussing future planning can help families be prepared if changes arise later.

Many people wait until a crisis occurs before having important conversations about healthcare wishes, Powers of Attorney, and estate planning. The best time to plan is before those documents are needed.

Planning ahead doesn't mean expecting the worst, it means protecting your future and preserving your choices.

Estate planning isn't just about assets, it's about protecting your voice.

Learn why healthcare directives are an essential part of planning for the possibility of dementia in our latest article.

Click the link below:
https://yonkeetoner.com/the-dementia-healthcare-directive-and-why-it-belongs-in-every-estate-plan/

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month 💜

This month, we honor those living with Alzheimer's, support caregivers, and encourage families to have important conversations about the future.

Planning ahead today can make a difficult journey easier tomorrow.

Knowledge is power. Planning is protection. Compassion makes all the difference.