How to Get Ahead of Alzheimer’s Disease

In the U.S. an estimated 5.4 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease

Are Your Legal Documents In Order?

How can anyone know the true devastation of Alzheimer’s unless you have had a loved one affected by the disease? In Michigan, there are 180,000 people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, they expect that number to grow 22% by the year 2025. The need to plan while you are well and able becomes more significant as we age.

The financial and emotional implications of becoming disabled before dying can have a profound effect on one’s family. It’s hard enough to see a loved one decline but wondering if you can afford to get them the care they need, is even more stressful. Estate planning attorneys can help you protect your assets and plan for what you hope won’t happen. In the United States, someone develops the disease every 66 seconds. We can never be certain it won’t happen to us.

John and Karen had been married for over 40 years when John started to notice some changes in his wife’s behavior. They were subtle at first and they chalked them up to “senior moments”. She would get confused while cooking. She began to have trouble with simple math. (Karen had been an expert at calculating the discount at Macy’s in her head!) But, when she started wearing heavy clothes in the warm weather and accused the cleaning lady of taking things, he knew it was something more. After the diagnosis, the next chapter in their life journey began.

Fortunately, they planned ahead. They had their Durable Power of Attorney- Medical and Financial, Living Will, Advance Directive, Revocable Trust and Irrevocable Trust prepared and updated by an Elder Law attorney. They had peace of mind knowing their legal documents were in order.

But, how about the physical and emotional toll being a caregiver would take on John?  In Michigan, they took advantage of the Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). They were able to keep Karen safe at home, provide housekeeping services, medical transportation, socialization at the day center, and all her doctors. This was at no cost because they qualified and did the planning and application with an expert Medicaid attorney.

An Elder Law attorney has the expertise to counsel seniors and their families on how best to plan, with a primary emphasis on promoting the highest quality of life for individuals. For more information on Alzheimer’s visit http://www.alz.org/

If you’re in need of estate planning assistance, contact the experienced lawyers at The Law Offices of David L. Carrier.