Legal, financial and long-term planning

A dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming.

You may also feel unsure of where to start when discussing future planning.

We have gathered a list of documents and resources you will need as you begin making future arrangements.

    Medical Power of Attorney
    This directive allows you to designate another person as your agent for making health care decisions for you at times when you are unable to do so.
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    Directive to Physicians (Living Will)
    This directive allows you to specify for the provision, withdrawal or withholding of medical care in the event of a terminal or irreversible condition.
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    Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)
    Informs health care professionals not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other life-support procedures in case the heart or breathing stops.
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    Brain, Organ, and Tissue Donation
    Allows organs or body parts to be donated to scientific research upon death at no cost to families and at no delay of funeral arrangements.
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    Will
    Specifies how a person’s estate-property, money, and other financial assets- will be distributed and managed when they die.

    Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
    Names someone who will make financial decisions for you when you are not able.

    Living Trust
    Names and instructs someone, called the trustee, to hold and distribute property and funds on your behalf when you are no longer able to manage your affairs.

    A lawyer can help you prepare these documents.

    A listing of lawyers can be found through your state bar association website or The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

    Long-term care can be provided within the home or at an outside facility.  The most common type of long-term care is personal care, which is help with everyday activities, also called activities of daily living.  Activities of daily living include bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and moving around.

    In Home Care
    Caregivers will likely reach a point when they realize they need some level of additional assistance at home to help care for their loved one. If your loved one requires increased supervision and/or assistance with performing activities of daily living, it may be time to consider additional assistance. There are many types of professional care options available to you. Ask your health care team, social workers, religious organizations, charitable groups, neighbors, and friends for recommendations.

    Outside of Home
    Adult day care, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Personal Care Homes, and Nursing facilities are some examples of facilities that provide care options outside of the home.

    Medicare generally does not pay for long-term care needs in homes or a facility.

    Costs for home care and facility services vary depending on what services are being provided, where you live, and the level of care that is being provided.

    Professional care in your home or in an outside facility can be paid privately by the care recipient/family, Long Term Care Insurance, VA Benefits and Medicaid.

    Dementia affects more than just the patient.

    We offer a variety of free, online support groups for individuals with dementia and their loved ones to support you.

    Learn more