Even as you take steps to improve your life with Alzheimer’s in the present, it’s important to plan ahead for a future in which your needs will change. That means making certain legal, financial, and caregiving arrangements to help protect yourself and your family.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the main purpose of legal planning is to let you make decisions about your future now — before you’re unable to make those decisions due to your Alzheimer’s. Those decisions may include.
- Addressing healthcare and caregiving needs
- What happens to your finances and property
- Who can make decisions on your behalf
There are a few legal documents you may choose to execute to make these decisions.
- Power of Attorney for Health Care You can name someone to make decisions about your care once you’re no longer able to do so, including care settings and end-of-life decisions.
- Durable Power of Attorney for Finances and Property You can name someone to manage your bank account, investments, and other assets.
- Living Will This document states your desires regarding medical treatments and end-of-life care.
- Living Trust This document states your desires regarding assets and property, and names someone to look over those assets.
- Standard Will This document states what will happen to your assets and property upon your death.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers a legal and financial worksheet that can help you keep track of your documents, assets, benefits, and more.
As your Alzheimer’s progresses, you’ll rely more on other people to make sure your needs are met. Talk about your potential future needs with people you trust, such as:
- Family, friends, and neighbors
- Your primary care doctor and neurologist or other specialists
- Community support groups and services
You may need caregiving assistance as your Alzheimer’s progresses, and may someday need to receive that care outside your current home. To help with both finding and paying for the care you need, the following resources may help.
- BenefitsCheckUp This resource from the National Council on Aging lets you search for federal, state, and local programs that can help you pay for healthcare, food, utilities, and more.
- Eldercare Locator This tool from the federal government lets you search in your area for services covering caregiving, housing, transportation, and more.
- CaringInfo This program from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization can help you navigate different types of caregiving and healthcare options.
- Medicare.gov Medicare beneficiaries can search for doctors, home health services, nursing homes, and more.
- Social Security You can check your eligibility for benefits, including nutrition assistance and monthly payments for certain older adults with low levels of income and resources.
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