Financial and Legal Planning for Someone with Alzheimer's

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Excerpted from The Comfort of Home: A Complete Guide for CaregiversTM

There are many legal tools that can help you and the person in your care now and in the future. Financial and legal planning is necessary and should be started early. Planning for the future should include looking at income tax issues, protecting existing assets, saving for the future, and paying for care. Long-term planning will help you and the person with AD feel more secure, no matter what the future brings.

You should also seek advice about insurance, employment rights, and state-assistance programs. If possible, discuss all options with the person in your care.

Caregivers need to understand the Social Security benefits and insurance policies of the person in their care, including medical insurance, Medicare, and private disability insurance. Familiarize yourself with the covered expenses, copayments and deductibles. Caregivers also need to understand the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws that are designed to protect housing, transportation, recreation, and employment.

When planning for the future, expert advice can be helpful, as the laws change and depend on where you live. It may feel overwhelming to have to make all these arrangements. Many community agencies offer legal and financial planning services. Contact your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association for information and resources.

NOTE. Financial planning will assure that your property--no matter how little you have--goes to the people you choose as quickly and as cheaply as possible.