While it’s important for everyone to plan for the future. Legal plans are especially vital for a person diagnosed with dementia.
Why plan ahead?
Early planning allows the person with dementia to be involved and express his or her wishes for future care and decisions.
Also allows time to work through the complex legal and financial issues that are involved in long-term care.
Legal capacity
Legal capacity is the ability to understand and appreciate the consequences of one’s actions and to make rational decisions.
As long as the person has legal capacity, he or she should take part in legal planning.
Meeting a lawyer
You can complete certain legal documents without a lawyer. But getting legal advice and services from an attorney can be especially helpful.
Gather all documents relating to the assets of the person with dementia ahead of time so you can bring them to your appointment.
If you already have a lawyer, he or she may be able to refer you to an attorney that specializes in elder law.
Quick tips
The person with dementia should name a successor (back-up) agent for power of attorney.
Consider choosing an attorney or a bank to manage the individual’s estate if the person lacks a trusted individual with the time or expertise.
Thank you to Alzheimer’s Association for this content!
See full article HERE.