Acting early is one of the most important steps someone with Alzheimer's can take. Getting legal documents in place while still mentally competent means your wishes are protected and your loved ones are spared from making difficult decisions alone.
As one myALZteam member put it, meeting with an attorney early on — even Show Full Answer
Acting early is one of the most important steps someone with Alzheimer's can take. Getting legal documents in place while still mentally competent means your wishes are protected and your loved ones are spared from making difficult decisions alone.
As one myALZteam member put it, meeting with an attorney early on — even before a formal diagnosis is confirmed — was "the best move I ever made." Here are the key legal documents to put in place:
- Will — Outlines how your finances and belongings should be handled, while you're still able to make those decisions
- Durable Power of Attorney (financial) — Allows a trusted person to manage your financial accounts and decisions
- Medical Power of Attorney (health care POA) — Gives a trusted person the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf if you're no longer able to
- Living Will / Advance Directives — Documents your preferences for medical treatment, including end-of-life care
- Living Trust — Gives your chosen person legal rights over financial holdings and property Before meeting with an attorney, it helps to gather the following information:
- Birth certificate or citizenship documents
- Social Security number
- Marriage, divorce, or dependent-related documents
- Medical records
- All financial account details (checking, savings, retirement, etc.)
- Existing estate planning documents
- All passwords and account access details
- Life insurance information When choosing a medical POA agent, keep these guidelines in mind:
- They must be at least 18 years old
- They cannot be a current health care or long-term care provider
- Good choices include a trusted family member, close friend, or trusted neighbor
Have an open conversation with this person before making it official, so they fully understand your wishes and the responsibility involved. If the cost of an attorney feels like a barrier, some banks and credit unions have attorneys on staff who can help at a reduced or basic fee. An elder law attorney or estate-planning attorney is also a great resource.
Don't wait — the earlier these documents are completed, the more control you have over your own care and future.
August 29
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