Planning in Advance of Alzheimer’s Disease

It’s estimated that more than 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, an irreversible, yet progressive brain disorder that gradually worsens until death. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s and dementia deaths have increased by 16 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yes, Alzheimer’s disease is a terrible medical condition, one that you never want to see any family member endure. But the reality is that the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is growing. The course of the disease can vary from individual to individual, but there’s only one real long-term outcome from people who are diagnosed with it.

We understand how difficult it can be to see a parent or elder family member worsen as the disease runs its course. And that’s why it’s a good idea to plan wills and estates with your loved ones while they’re still in the early stages of the disease. Here’s a closer look at why it’s a good idea to begin planning even sooner.

1. Your Loved One Can Be Involved

Planning in the early stages of Alzheimer’s still allows your loved one to be involved in the process, thereby making it possible for your elder to weigh in on future health care decisions as well as finances and real estate decisions. Giving up control can be difficult for seniors who have achieved a lifetime of caring for others, advancing a career, or practicing a vocation. Estate planning with your senior parent instead of for your senior parent ensures that their wishes and decisions are heard and followed.

2. Your Loved One Can Sign a Power of Attorney

Advance planning allows your loved one to sign a power of attorney, thereby giving legal power to someone other than themselves when Alzheimer’s disease worsens. A power of attorney is a legal document which expressly authorizes another person to manage your financial affairs. The person who you choose to carry out your wishes is called the “attorney-in-fact.” In many cases, this would be your spouse or another trusted family member or perhaps a close friend. He or she can pay bills, deposit checks, pay taxes, sell stocks, invest in securities and essentially do all the things that you would normally would do for yourself. We can help you put a power of attorney in place.

3. You and Your Loved One Can Have Peace of Mind

You and your family member are both able to meet with an elder attorney, have your questions answered, and be advised by a professional, so that you both can rest assured that things are in good hands. Taking action early can help avoid a lot of confusion, stress, and frustration later on as the Alzheimer’s condition worsens.

While it’s never fun to have to think about things like wills, power of attorney, and estate planning, taking action and planning ahead is a crucial step toward avoiding problems down the road.