Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be a life-altering moment, not only for an individual, but also for their loved ones. Even though you are likely feeling very overwhelmed right now, if you’ve been diagnosed with this condition, it’s important to consider practical steps to more effectively manage the future.
To start, you’ll want to either craft an estate plan or revise an existing plan as soon as you can after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. This effort will help to ensure that your wishes are honored and that your financial and health care decisions are responsibly managed as the disease progresses.
Act now to protect your interests later
Early planning now will allow you to participate actively in decisions about your future, including your preferences for medical care, living arrangements and how your assets should be distributed. Acting promptly can help ensure that these choices are made while you can still express your wishes clearly and legally consent to the documents being prepared so they will hold up in court.
A thorough estate plan should generally encompass a will, durable power of attorney for both financial and health care decisions, a living will (also known as an advance healthcare directive) and potentially a revocable living trust.
Navigating the complexities of estate planning after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis generally requires professional guidance, due to the risk of complications that tends to arise when an Alzheimer’s patient needs to protect their assets, safeguard their medically related preferences and plan for potential long-term care needs before their condition progresses. Otherwise, efforts undertaken post-diagnoses could be called into question by beneficiaries and anyone else with an interest in your estate. Seeking legal assistance can help to ensure that your wishes are honored, no matter what happens next.
