Many people are not prepared to deal with the legal and financial consequences of a serious illness like Alzheimer`s disease or related dementia. Legal and medical experts encourage people who have recently been diagnosed with a serious illness, especially if a deterioration in their mental or physical health is expected, to review and update their finances and health as soon as possible. There are basic legal and financial documents (such as a will, life trust, and living wills) to ensure that financial and health decisions are made late or late in that person`s life. Planning for the legal and financial future is crucial for people with Alzheimer`s disease, their families and caregivers. The costs associated with Alzheimer`s disease – including medical bills, prescription costs, care and long-term care – can add up and quickly reduce personal savings. It is important that your legal matters, such as a will and power of attorney or powers of attorney, are written well before the disease progresses. If you have any doubts, you must contact a notary. They are independent lawyers and civil servants who are committed to preventive legal certainty. The notary advises free of charge according to individual circumstances and needs and ensures that the procedures comply with the law. You have the right to choose your preferred notary based on affinity or geographical proximity.
Sandra Day O`Connor, a pioneer in the legal profession who made history in 1981 by becoming the first woman to serve in the United States. The Supreme Court, which has been on the bench for a quarter of a century, announced Tuesday that she had been diagnosed with dementia. Gather important documents. If an emergency arises or the person with dementia can no longer manage their own affairs, family members or a legal guardian will need access to important documents such as a living will or financial documents. To ensure that the wishes of the person with dementia are met, keep important documents in a safe place and give copies to family members or another trusted person. The lawyer may also keep a copy of these documents. The law contains various legal formulas to ensure that the will of a person who may be affected in the future his or her ability to express it is respected. To do this, there are four useful legal tools for people with Alzheimer`s disease: Living wills are documents that communicate a person`s health care wishes. Living wills come into effect once the person can no longer make decisions for themselves. In most cases, these documents must be created while the person is legally capable of executing them.
Health guidelines may include: For the newly diagnosed Alzheimer`s patient, determine if a will has already been completed and if it is up to date. If there is no will, but the patient is still legally capable, he must act quickly to have a complete one. Review plans regularly. Changes in personal circumstances (e.g. Divorce, moving to another place of residence, or death in the family) or state laws can affect how legal documents are prepared and stored. Regularly review plans and update documents as required. NIA Alzheimer`s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center 800-438-4380 adear@nia.nih.gov www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers www.nia.nih.gov/health/spanish/alzheimer (in Spanish) And although Alzheimer`s disease is a degenerative brain disease that slowly damages and destroys brain cells, the most relevant symptom of which is the gradual loss of intellectual capacity and function, at the beginning of the disease, The person may be able to make decisions about their personal interests and wishes. In this sense, the most important legal figures are the following: If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer`s disease, you should ideally have certain legal and financial issues foreseen, such as: Often, people in the early stages of Alzheimer`s disease or related dementia can understand many aspects and consequences of legal decisions.