Diagnosed with Dementia – Now What?

Receiving a dementia diagnosis means the future you envisioned for yourself is likely changed. While you may not be able to predict that future, you can and should plan for it. In the event you were later unable to handle your own medical decisions or financial matters, you do not want your incapacity or long-term care needs to cause family tension or unnecessary Court involvement pertaining to your health, wealth, or general well-being. A proper estate plan established with the guidance of an experienced elder law attorney will not only distribute your estate at death but can also take care of you in the event of your incapacity and even facilitate asset protection planning against the cost of future potential long term care expenses.   

A dementia diagnosis does not automatically terminate your ability to create or update their estate plan. An individual with early-stage dementia may still have legal capacity to sign estate planning documents. Someone with advanced dementia, however, will typically lack capacity to sign estate planning documents. We recommend a visit to the elder law attorney as soon as there is a diagnosis of any progressive cognitive impairment, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.  The elder law attorney can also help you and your family understand long-term care options, such as where you might want to receive long term care in the future and the options available to pay for that care, including public benefits such as ALTCS or VA Aid & Attendance Pension benefits. 

Call us at 480-922-1010 or email info@bivenslaw.com to schedule an appointment with one of the attorneys at Bivens & Associates, PLLC. We are ready to stand beside you and guide you and your family through this process.