A positive
diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t mean a person’s ability to live,
love and remember will diminish immediately. This progressive, incurable
disease, takes time to progress and can sometimes be slowed along the way. The
reality, however, is that for many of the 5 million Americans currently living
with Alzheimer’s disease, progression of the disease will occur. As it does,
the ability to plan for the future – medically and financially – may diminish.
This is precisely why it is recommended people living with Alzheimer’s disease
work with loved ones and legal representatives in the disease’s earliest phases
so they can have a say in how care will unfold down the road.
Making an appointment
with a legal representative early after diagnosis can give the person living
with Alzheimer’s disease a chance to articulate wishes in regard to a number of
issues. He or she, for example, can ensure a will is created and a living will,
as well. This may also be the time to designate a medical power of attorney and
other stand-in representation should the time come that making decisions
personally is no longer feasible.
When an
appointment with an attorney is made, there are a number of documents that can
prove helpful to bring along. They include such items as:
·
An itemized listing of all
assets, including current value and listed owners.
·
Copies of existing wills,
powers of attorney, trusts and so on.
·
Copies of any real estate
deeds.
·
Life insurance policies and
health insurance policies.
· Any admission agreements that
have been made or are being considered with heath care facilities.
Planning for the future is always important. For
those living with Alzheimer’s disease, however, the need to act sooner rather
than later is likely imperative if personal participation in the process and
stating out wishes is desired.
