Coping With Alzheimer’s

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be life changing both for the patient who is diagnosed and for family members who may become caregivers and who may have to experience their loved one’s memory fading. It is difficult to respond proactively when faced with such a life-changing diagnosis, but it is important to do so. Eghrari Law Firm can help.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition, which means that a patient is usually diagnosed while still of sound mind and the illness gradually worsens until the patient no longer has memories or full cognitive abilities. While the patient is still able to express his preferences and make decisions, steps need to be taken to provide protection in the future. Throughout the entirety of the patient’s lifespan with Alzheimer’s, families also need support and guidance. Eghrari Law Firm can help. Give us a call at (631) 265-0599 to speak with an experienced Long Island Alzheimer’s planning lawyer for personalized advice and answers to questions including:

• What steps should patients take to cope with Alzheimer’s?
• How can an Alzheimer’s patient plan for appropriate care?
• How can a Long Island Alzheimer’s planning lawyer help?

What Steps Should Patients Take to Cope with Alzheimer’s?

Patients who get a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s should immediately begin the process of protecting themselves from unwanted medical care, protecting their assets, and taking control over their legacy. Before it is too late to act of your own accord and make your preferences known, it is important to:

• Create advanced directives for healthcare: You can specify whether you want life-extending measures like a feeding tube to be used to preserve your life or whether you wish to decline certain types of emergency medical care if you get sick or hurt.
• Make plans for nursing home care: It is very common for Alzheimer’s patients to end up in a nursing home at some point in their life. You may wish to do research now to find a home and you should begin making plans to get costs covered. If you decide early, your family won’t have to make the choice for you.
• Create a power of attorney: When you do this, you get the opportunity to name the agent who will act on your behalf, rather than a court appointing a guardian to make your decisions and manage your assets.
• Make a comprehensive estate plan: You should get to decide what happens to your wealth and property and who will inherit. You do not want your will challenged, so it is imperative to make an estate plan as early as you can after your diagnosis while you are still clearly of sound mind. You can also explore other kinds of estate planning tools instead of or in addition to making a will. For example, trusts can be beneficial.
• Create a business succession plan: If you have a company and want it to continue operating even after you end your involvement, it becomes important to create a business succession plan early on after your diagnosis.
• Develop an asset protection plan: There is a risk you could lose all of your assets if you have to sell property and use your money to pay for nursing home care.

Eghrari Law Firm has extensive experience with Alzheimer’s planning and we can help you to take these and other steps needed in your situation to be prepared for whatever the future will bring.

How Can an Alzheimer’s Patient Plan for Appropriate Care?

Looking into nursing homes is important following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis so you can find an appropriate memory care facility where you will feel comfortable living as your condition progresses. You may also wish to explore other options that could be available to you, such as care through the veterans’ administration, home care, or hospice care at the end of your life.  If you plan to be cared for at home by a family member, looking into respite care to provide relief for the caregiver can also become important.

Because getting costs covered for custodial nursing home care is challenging, Alzheimer’s patients may also begin working with an attorney on the creation of a Medicaid plan. A Medicaid plan makes it possible to qualify for means-tested Medicaid benefits so Medicaid can pay for nursing home care without having to spend down assets. An attorney can help explain this process and assist you in determining if it is necessary for you.

How can a Long Island Alzheimer’s Planning Lawyer Help?

Eghrari Law Firm will assist you in identifying the planning steps you need to take and in carrying out those steps. Contact us today to speak with a Long Island Alzheimer’s planning lawyer. You can give us a call at  (631) 265-0599 or contact us online to learn more.