With Alzheimer’s Disease receiving renewed attention—especially with Julianne Moore’s powerful portrayal in Still Alice, where she plays a professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s—many families are being reminded of the real-life challenges that come with such a diagnosis.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s every 67 seconds. Over 5 million Americans are currently living with this disease, and more than 15.5 million others are providing unpaid care for loved ones dealing with dementia.
Facing a parent’s dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but there are essential steps you can take now to ease the burden later and ensure everything is managed as it should be:
Have an Open Conversation: Don’t carry the weight alone. Gather your siblings or other close family members to discuss the diagnosis and how you can share the responsibilities. Teamwork is crucial.
Identify Key Advisors: Sit down with your parent to review who is handling their affairs. This might include their accountant, attorney, financial advisor, or stockbroker. Knowing who to contact is critical for smooth management.
Secure Medical Access: Ensure your parent has signed an advance medical directive and HIPAA release form. These documents allow you to access their medical records and speak to healthcare providers when needed.
Act Now, Not Later: Alzheimer's can progress at unpredictable rates. Delays can complicate decision-making and access to critical resources. Time is not on your side, so move quickly to put the necessary plans in place.
Consult an Estate Planning Attorney: Don’t wait until your parent can no longer make legal decisions. Ensure their will, trust, Durable Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Directives are updated. It's much easier to plan while they’re still able to participate in these decisions.
Review Finances and Health Matters: Schedule a meeting with your parent’s advisors to understand the full picture. Review tax planning, investments, bill payments, and healthcare arrangements to stay ahead of any potential gaps.
Share Responsibilities: Divide tasks among family members. Whether it’s managing finances, coordinating care, or handling daily tasks, distributing the workload can lighten the burden for everyone involved.
Planning in the face of dementia is difficult, but by taking these proactive steps, you can help ensure your parent’s needs are met without unnecessary complications. Contact us today at ABC so we can assist you in planning for yourself and your parents. Call us at (470) 458-7878.
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