The durable power of attorney is the legal document that designates a person to handle legal, business, financial and real estate matters on behalf of the principle who signed the document. For those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, this is one of the most important documents to be completed, and it needs to be done promptly after a diagnosis, while the patient is still sound of mind.

While the durable power of attorney can be limited in the rights it gives the agent, or person named to make decisions, for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s patients, it is best to have a broad, all-encompassing power of attorney so that all matters can be handled properly and without court involvement.

There are four elements that are of significant importance when planning for naming a power of attorney:

  1. The power to make decisions in your best interest, not simply financial decisions.
  2. The power to apply for benefits on your behalf, such as Medicaid or VA benefits, so that your care can be paid for.
  3. The power to make gifts on your advance and handle all Medicaid planning.
  4. The power to create an irrevocable trust and move assets in and out of the trust as needed.

The safest way to ensure your care is provided and paid for, as well as your estate managed to your wishes, is to enlist the help of a Cleveland elder law attorney.