LEGAL PLANNING

Once a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is important for them to get together with their family and/or friends to let them know what their wishes are regarding legal matters. This may also be the time to bring in a professional to explain the intricacies involved in legal planning. At this time, the patient and family should discuss and determine plans for health and long-term care, finances, property, and naming a family member to make decisions on behalf of the Alzheimer’s patient when they can no longer do so.

Legal documents should then be drawn up and distributed to the patient, caregiver, family members, attorney, and doctor.

• A living will states the patients’ wishes regarding medical issues including the use of artificial life support
• A power of attorney names the person that the patient wants to make financial decisions on his or her behalf when they are no longer able to do so
• A power of attorney for healthcare names the person that the patient wants to make medical decisions on his or her behalf when they are no longer able to do so
• A will names the person who will be the executor of the estate