When someone is first diagnosed with dementia, it’s crucial to take steps to plan for the future while the person is still able to participate in decision-making. Here are the next steps to consider:

1. Medical and Care Planning
– Consult Specialists: Continue regular consultations with neurologists or other specialists to manage and monitor the progression of the disease.
– Create a Care Plan: Develop a comprehensive care plan that outlines daily routines, long-term care preferences, and strategies for managing symptoms.
– Investigate Treatment Options: Explore medications and therapies that may help manage symptoms or slow progression.

2. Legal Planning
– Financial Power of Attorney : Establish a financial durable power of attorney for finances, allowing a trusted person to handle financial matters when the individual is no longer able to do so.
– Advance Directives: Create advance healthcare directives, including health care and mental health care power of attorney, living will, and HIPAA release to designate trusted person(s) to make medical decisions for the patient if they later cannot themselves, and to state preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care, and allow sharing of medical information.
-Will and Trusts: Review and update the Will, and consider setting up a Trust to manage assets, provide for future care needs, and minimize risk of financial exploitation when vulnerable.

3. Financial Planning
– Review Finances: Assess current financial status, including income, expenses, assets, and debts. Make a list of all financial accounts, investments, and insurance policies.
– Long-Term Care Insurance: If already in place, review terms and conditions. If not, consider purchasing long-term care insurance if possible to help cover the cost of future care needs.
– Benefit Programs: Look into eligibility for government benefit programs like Medicaid (ALTCS in Arizona), Veteran’s Improved Pension, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

4. Organizing Important Documents
– Centralize Information**: Gather and organize all important personal, legal, medical, and financial documents in a central location that is easily accessible to trusted family members or designated agents.
– Create an Information List**: Compile a list of key contacts, such as doctors, lawyers, financial advisors, and insurance agents.

**Use our Private Information Guide: A Personal and Financial Organizer**

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5. Communicating with Family and Loved Ones
– Family Meetings: Hold family meetings to discuss the diagnosis, future plans, and the roles and responsibilities of each family member.
– Open Dialogue: Encourage open and ongoing communication to ensure everyone is informed and on the same page.

6. Emotional and Psychological Support
– Support Groups: Join support groups for people with dementia and their caregivers to share experiences and gain support from others in similar situations.
– Counseling: Consider individual or family counseling to help cope with the emotional impact of the diagnosis.

7. Safety and Daily Living Adjustments
– Home Modifications: Make necessary modifications to the home to ensure safety and ease of movement, such as installing grab bars, improving lighting, and removing tripping hazards.
– Assistive Devices: Utilize assistive devices and technology, like medication reminders and GPS trackers, to support daily living and safety.

Conclusion
Planning for the future following a dementia diagnosis involves a multifaceted approach, addressing medical, legal, financial, and emotional aspects. By taking these steps early, individuals with dementia and their families can ensure that their wishes are respected and that they are well-prepared to face the challenges ahead. Consulting with professionals, such as doctors, attorneys, and financial advisors, can provide additional guidance and support throughout this process.

In Arizona?  Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Elder Law Attorneys.  An elder law attorney can be an invaluable resource for individuals with dementia and their families, providing specialized legal advice and support tailored to the unique challenges that dementia presents. Here are just a few ways our elder law attorneys can help:

• Preparing powers of attorneys, medical directives, Will and Trusts
• Strategies to protect assets from being depleted by the high costs of long-term care
• Providing information about various long-term care options and resources to help evaluate which options best meet the individuals’ needs and finances
• For families providing care, caregiver agreements that formalize the arrangement and may help preserve Medicaid eligibility
• Dispute Resolution among family members regarding the care and management of  the individual’s affairs
• Guardianship and Conservatorship
• Information and guidance on the legal, financial, and care issues associates with dementia
• Legal and practical advice for the family members who are serving as Agent or Trustee for the individual with dementia to ensure they understand and properly fulfill their fiduciary duties and responsibilities

Contact us at 480-922-1010 or info@bivenslaw.com today. We are here to help. 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as offering legal advice or creating an attorney client relationship between the reader and the firm or author. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this article without seeking appropriate legal advice about your individual facts and circumstances from an attorney licensed in your state. Bivens and Associates, P.L.L.C. expressly disclaims all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all information contained in this article.