Elder Law and Alzheimer’s Disease: Tips and Resources

Alzheimer’s News Today estimates that as many as 5.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease, an irreversible, yet progressive brain disorder that gradually worsens until death. Most that suffer from Alzheimer’s begin to notice signs and symptoms generally around the time they turn 60 years old. Depending on how the disease is treated, a person who has been diagnosed with the disease can live anywhere from three to 20 years.

Yes, Alzheimer’s Disease is a horrible medical condition, one that you never want to see any family member suffer through. But the reality is that it’s a real condition and there’s only one real long-term outcome from people that are diagnosed with it.

That’s where we come in. 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 sooner:

• Planning in the early stages of Alzheimer’s still allows your loved one to be involved in the process, thereby permitting your loved one to weigh in one future health care decisions as well as finances and real estate decisions.
• It allows the loved one to sign a power of attorney, thereby giving legal power to someone other than themselves when Alzheimer’s Disease worsens.
• 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.

For more information about Alzheimer’s Disease, see the resources at the Alzheimer’s Association and the Centers for Disease Control.