A 9-Step Advance Plan for Those at Risk for Alzheimer's

The prospect of developing Alzheimer's disease is not a pleasant thing to think about. We have all heard heartbreaking stories of the devastating effects this disease can have, not only upon the individual afflicted by the disease, but increasingly upon the rest of the family who must provide ongoing care for the Alzheimer's patient. If you have reason to believe that you or someone else in your family may be showing early warning signs of the onset of Alzheimer's, you should plan ahead. Actions you take now could save a great deal of time, money, and anxiety later on. Advance planning makes it possible to deal with business, personal, legal and medical issues at a time when the patient still retains his/her memories and mental acuity.

Step 1. Get a thorough physical examination to determine whether the symptoms are due to some other cause.

There could be some other reason why the individual is experiencing memory loss, disorientation, mood swings and other symptoms commonly associated with Alzheimer's. Other possible causes include epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, kidney or liver failure, substance abuse, drug interactions, stroke, and brain tumors (to name a few). It is important to determine the exact cause and treat it accordingly. The earlier a diagnosis can be obtained, the sooner treatment can be started and the better the prognosis for the patient.

Step 2. Make a list of all property the individual owns a share in.

This should include all property owned solely by the individual or as community property with his or her spouse or partner, or jointly with another party. "Property" would include real estate, business interests, stocks or bonds, vehicles, boats, assets of significant value such as jewelry, art, coin collections, antiques, and the like.

Step 3. Organize all financial records.

This includes records of bank accounts, trusts, retirement funds, evidences of debts payable to the patient (such as promissory notes or loan agreements), mutual funds, stock certificates, deposit certificates, title deeds, etc. If the patient has an accountant or bookkeeper, you should enlist their help in gathering all of these records.

Step 4. Perform an asset review.

Thoroughly review the patient's assets with a lawyer or financial consultant to determine the best strategy of asset protection and tax planning. It may be helpful to prepare a Net Worth Statement for the individual.

Step 5. Consult a lawyer for estate planning advice.

Have a lawyer help you prepare the necessary estate planning forms such as a Will, a Living Trust, a power of attorney for financial affairs, a medical power of attorney, and an advance health care directive for the patient and his/her spouse or partner. Executing these documents while the individual is still capable of doing so will save having to make court applications, appoint trustees, jump through procedural hoops and pay a great deal more in legal fees to accomplish these same matters after the patient has become incapacitated.

Step 6. Do an insurance review.

Go over the patient's existing life, disability and medical insurance policies with the insurance agent to see if it will be necessary to change the terms of the policies under the circumstances. If the patient does not currently have long term care insurance, discuss this type of coverage with the agent and consider whether it is advisable.

Step 7. Appoint a caregiver.

Decide who is best equipped to be the primary caregiver and have an alternate caregiver available, to take over when the primary care giver is unavailable or just needs a break. All family members who will be providing principal care should be consulted beforehand, and should be fully informed of the patient's current status and any changes. If you hire an in-home caregiver, have them sign a Caregiver Services Agreement.

Step 8. Research the medical care available in your area.

Gather information on local long term care facilities, home care options, and respite facilities, and talk to people who have used these facilities for their loved ones. Contact organizations which offers information and support to Alzheimer's patients and their families, such as the Alzheimer's Association of America, the Alzheimer Society of Canada, and the UK Alzheimer's Society. There are also state and provincial branches of many of these organizations, which can help you find support at a local level.

Step 9. Learn all you can about the disease.

The more you know, the better equipped you are to deal with the situation. Research the condition, current treatments and medical breakthroughs, and keep on top of new developments by joining email lists for bulletins and newsletters from Alzheimer’s organizations. Join online discussion forums to find out how other families cope with the stresses of caring for a person suffering from dementia.