Estate planning is one of the kindest things that you can do for your family. It takes the burden off of family members, and ultimately saves time, money and aggravation down the road.
If a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease has been given to a loved one, it is imperative you assist them in organizing their estate as soon as possible. Alzheimer’s is an illness of dementia, and causes the loss of memories, ability to reason and the ability to understand the consequences of decisions. In the early stages, estate planning can be successfully accomplished, however once the disease progresses sufferers lose the ability to make the needed decisions.
The most important decision a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can make is to designate a person that will make future medical, financial and estate planning decisions. The proper execution of advance directives and financial power of attorney is one of the most critical components of any Alzheimer’s care plan.
No one in this type of situation wants to think about the final outcome of the disease, and because of this planning can be emotional and difficult to face. However, choosing the decision maker in advance of mental incapacity is critical to maintaining continuity in decision making, which ultimately effects the quality of life throughout the course of the disease.
