Legally there are many important issues to be considered when a loved one develops Alzheimer’s. If proper estate and long-term care planning have not already been completed, these should come to the top of the priority list. It is very normal for family members to feel overwhelmed by all of the aspects of legal planning, and it’s important to remember that not every aspect applies to your individual situation.
Taking an Inventory of Legal Documents
This is why it can be helpful to engage the services of outside professionals, such as an estate planning lawyer to help you. There are four primary things that should be considered by someone in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or family members attempting to help them. These include:
- Beginning by taking an inventory of all legal documents to review them and make appropriate updates.
- Creating legal plans for property and finances belonging to the individual.
- Considering the individual’s health care and long term care preferences and putting plans and documentation in place to protect those.
- Naming another individual to make decisions on behalf of the affected patient when they are no longer able to do so.
Advanced Planning
Getting planning accomplished now helps to protect you if you do develop this condition in the future. There will be many other question and considerations to be answered at that point in time, so advanced planning makes it easier for you to ensure your wishes are followed.
It is important to consider that in more advanced stages, these planning opportunities may be limited due to issues around legal capacity. Legal capacity refers to someone’s ability to execute a legal document. If you have questions about this process or wish to add more confidence to your own planning process, consult with a knowledgeable estate lawyer in MA.
