Coping with Alzheimer’s
Providing Legal Support for Families in Greensboro and throughout North Carolina
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis affects not just the individual but the entire family. It requires making crucial decisions regarding care, financial security, and preserving the patient’s legacy. Understanding the legal complexities that arise during this difficult time can be overwhelming.
At Law Offices of Cheryl David, we offer compassionate and experienced legal guidance to families navigating the challenges of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Our aim is to minimize the stress of legal matters, giving you the peace of mind to focus on your loved one’s care.
Contact us today at (336) 717-0375 or submit a form online and schedule a consultation.
What Legal Issues Arise from an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition, meaning that as it advances, a person’s ability to manage their own affairs becomes increasingly limited. Addressing legal matters early on can help families avoid complications down the road and ensure that the person’s needs are met.
Key areas that need attention include:
- Asset management. As the disease progresses, it’s essential to ensure the person’s assets are protected, particularly as nursing home care may become necessary. Without proper planning, medical and custodial costs can quickly deplete the person’s savings. Early legal planning can safeguard their estate and minimize financial burdens for the family.
- Medical decisions. Alzheimer’s patients will eventually need others to make decisions on their behalf. Establishing legal documents like powers of attorney and advance directives ensures that healthcare decisions are made according to the person’s wishes by someone they trust.
- Nursing home coverage. Long-term care, such as nursing home placement, is often necessary as Alzheimer’s advances. Planning for Medicaid eligibility can be a complex process, but it’s crucial to protect assets and ensure that the patient receives the care they need without depleting family savings.
- Transfer of assets. To avoid financial strain after the patient’s passing, it’s important to plan for the distribution of assets. Without proper documentation and planning, the estate may face unnecessary taxes, legal fees, or family disputes.
If diagnosed early enough, an individual may still have the ability to make legal decisions. However, if cognitive decline has already set in, more formal actions, such as guardianship proceedings, may be required.
At Law Offices of Cheryl David, we provide comprehensive legal support to families navigating the challenges of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Our team can assist with asset protection, create or update essential legal documents like powers of attorney and advance directives, and guide you through Medicaid planning for nursing home care.
Steps to Take After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
When an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is made, it’s essential to quickly assess existing legal plans and take proactive steps to protect your loved one’s future.
Important actions include:
- Reviewing legal documents. First, check if there are any existing plans in place such as a will, trust, or power of attorney. If not, it’s essential to start creating these documents immediately to ensure decisions are made according to your loved one’s wishes.
- Medicaid planning. Consider whether a Medicaid plan was established to protect assets in case nursing home care is needed. Planning early for Medicaid eligibility helps avoid draining assets for long-term care costs.
- Healthcare directive. If your loved one is still able, assist them in creating an advance directive, which outlines their healthcare preferences for the future. This will help avoid any confusion or disputes down the line.
Stories of Trust and Peace of Mind Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Law Offices of Cheryl David, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
"Kindness & Patience"Thank you for guiding my family through a difficult time with kindness and expertise. Your team’s support has been invaluable, and we’re forever grateful!- Pete S.
-
"Friendly & Professional"Our experience with the Law Offices of Cheryl David was exceptional. Their caring team guided us through our Living Trust with professionalism and efficiency!- Sharon B.
-
"Thank You Sincerely"Contacting Law Offices of Cheryl David was the best decision for me and my husband. Their knowledgeable team provided peace of mind and expert elder care guidance!- Sheila P.
-
"Pleasant & Helpful"Sudden illness made me realize the importance of estate planning. The team was pleasant, competent, and incredibly helpful throughout the process!- Scot F.
-
"Exceptional Service, Every Time"Professional, friendly, and efficient! Claudia ensured we understood everything during our annual update. Highly recommend the team at Cheryl David’s!- Charles H.
-
"Compassionate Support During a Difficult Time"Blaire, Olivia, and Paula made a tough time easier with their dedication and support. Forever grateful for their help in handling my father’s estate!- Nicole H.
-
"Personal Attitude & Sincere Caring"Thank you, Cheryl and team, for your genuine care and personal approach. I truly appreciate it and look forward to any updates you may have!- Phyllis B.
-
"You Have Put My Mind At Ease"Thank you, Kelly, for your support and dedication. Your work has been a pleasure to experience, and you've truly put my mind at ease—much appreciated!- Roger Z.
Guided by Compassion, Built on Trust Our Promise to You
-
Where Experience Meets CompassionWith decades of experience and a genuine understanding of family needs, we deliver legal solutions that ensure your loved ones are cared for today and tomorrow.
-
Empowering Families Through KnowledgeWe believe in empowering families with the tools and information needed to make confident decisions about their futures. Your trust inspires our commitment to excellence.
-
Trusted Advocates for Every Stage of LifeFrom estate planning to elder law, our experienced team stands by your side, providing compassionate and reliable support tailored to your family’s unique needs.
-
Protecting What Matters MostYour family’s future is our priority. With personalized guidance and unwavering dedication, we help secure your loved ones’ legacies and peace of mind.
Dementia Diagnoses
In addition to Alzheimer’s, many individuals are diagnosed with various forms of dementia, which can similarly affect a person’s cognitive abilities and decision-making capacity. Legal and financial planning for those diagnosed with dementia is equally important to ensure protection and proper care.
Strategies for Dementia Protection
- Establish Power of Attorney. If not already in place, a power of attorney allows a trusted individual to make financial and healthcare decisions on behalf of the person diagnosed with dementia. This step is crucial as dementia progresses, and the person may become unable to make their own decisions.
- Create or update wills and trusts. As with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to establish or revise a will and any relevant trusts. This ensures that the person’s wishes regarding asset distribution are followed, even if they become incapable of communicating those wishes later on.
- Long-term care planning. Understanding Medicaid eligibility and creating a long-term care plan can be pivotal in covering the costs of dementia care. Early planning can protect assets from being depleted by the high costs of care.
- Healthcare directives. Healthcare directives, including advance directives and living wills, allow individuals to specify their medical treatment preferences if they become incapacitated, such as in cases of dementia. These documents guide healthcare providers and family members, ensuring that your wishes regarding life support or resuscitation are respected when you’re unable to make decisions yourself. We help you create legally binding directives, providing clarity for both you and your loved ones during critical times.
Taking these steps early can help ensure that the dementia patient is well-cared for and that their wishes are respected, all while protecting family members from potential legal complications.