A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s may come as a surprise, or may be confirmation of what you have been suspecting for some time. Regardless of how the news comes, it leaves the loved ones of the person with the diagnosis feeling lost, confused and worried.
Many questions are likely running through your mind. Common questions include:
- How fast will the disease progress?
- How long can your loved one stay in the home?
- Who will care for your loved one once they cannot safely be left alone?
- How will you pay for long-term care costs?
- Is your loved one’s estate planning done?
- How will a surviving spouse or dependent child survive financially after your loved one is gone?
Over 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. The disease is the most common type of dementia, and worsens as it progresses. There is no cure, and no effective way to prevent onset. Alzheimer’s is characterized by impairment of behavior, personality, memory, judgment and thinking. Typically, patients live four to eight years after the onset of the disease, but some have lived as long as twenty.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, get as much information as you can from his or her medical provider. Once you are armed with the facts of the disease and your loved one’s condition, contact an elder law attorney to help you navigate the financial aspect of long-term care and estate planning.
