Alzheimer’s Planning: Safeguarding Your Future

If you are beginning to experience memory loss, or if you’ve recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it is important to ensure your Estate Planning documents are established and up to date.  Although this may be a difficult time to start thinking about the future, as a California trust lawyer, we know how important this step is. 

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease, meaning that the symptoms will gradually worsen and will not improve. In order to have the peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be carried out as the condition progresses, an estate plan should be created as soon as possible following diagnosis. You’ll also want to start having open and honest conversations with loved ones about possible medical concerns, financial issues, or caregiving responsibilities.

Next, take time to gather all of your personal and financial information, including bank statements, account numbers, mortgage documents, Social Security, and retirement benefit summaries. Then, determine your monthly household expenses, including utilities, so that you can more easily determine how much money may be available each month for medical or long-term care expenses. As the symptoms of Alzheimer’s increase, the cost of care will likely increase as well.

It’s also important to choose a Power of Attorney and Healthcare Agent while you still have the mental clarity and capacity to sign legal documents. The person or people whom you appoint to serve in these roles will have the legal authority to manage your finances and make healthcare decisions on your behalf when you can no longer speak for yourself.

Finally, consult with an attorney, preferably one that specializes in elder law or estate planning, to help you prepare any additional legal documents that you may need to protect your family and assets, including Wills and Trusts. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be difficult and costly, and having a plan in place can make things easier for your loved ones. 

If you need assistance getting started, or you would like to have an older plan reviewed to determine if it will still meet your needs following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia, we invite you to contact one of our estate and elder law offices at 800-244-8814 to schedule a consultation with a California trust lawyer.

If you have any further questions about estate planning and strategies to shield your wealth, or if you’d like to have your current asset protection plan reviewed to make sure it still meets your needs, please contact us at one of our offices located throughout the state of California 800-244-8814 to set up a consultation.