alzheimer's disease makes incapacity planning a must

ANNAPOLIS • MILLERSVILLE • BOWIE • WALDORF

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE MAKES

INCAPACITY PLANNING A MUST


COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING


When the subject of estate planning comes to your mind, you probably

think about financial matters.


Without question, you do have to facilitate the distribution of your

financial resources.


However, there are other things to take into consideration if you want to be comprehensively prepared.


END-OF-LIFE ISSUES

A well constructed estate plan will address end-of-life eventualities.


Though it is not a very pleasant subject to contemplate, a significant

percentage of people become incapacitated at the end of their

lives.


ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

There are different causes of incapacitation, but Alzheimer's disease alone is enough to

make incapacity planning essential.


This disease strikes approximately 45 percent of the oldest old

(people who are at least 85 years of age).


LONGEVITY STATISTICS


If you are thinking that you probably will not live into your mid-eighties, you should understand the

facts.


According to the Social Security Administration, the life expectancy for a 67-year-old person is at least

85.


In fact, the Census Bureau tells us that the oldest segment of the

population is growing faster than any other.


ADVANCE DIRECTIVES FOR HEALTH CARE

To prepare for possible incapacity, you could execute documents called advance

directives for health care.


One of these directivesis a living will.


LIFE SUPPORT


Doctors can sometimes keep terminal patients alive through the utilization of life-support measures

like feeding tubes, artificial hydration, and mechanical

respiration.


With a living will, you state your preferences with regard to the utilization of these measures.


If you would rather let nature take its course, you can state this preference in your living will.


HEALTH CARE PROXY


Another advance directive that can be part of your plan is a

health care proxy.


This document is alternately referred to as a durable power of

attorney for health care.


In this directive, you name someone to make medical decisions on your behalf in the event of your

incapacitation.


FINANCIAL DECISION MAKING


You should also name a financial representative when you create

your incapacity plan.


This can be done through the inclusion of a durable financial

power of attorney.


NURSING HOME ASSET PROTECTION


Many people with Alzheimer's induced dementia ultimately reside

in nursing homes.


These facilities are very expensive, and Medicare does not pay

for long-term care.


Medicaid will pay for nursing home care.


There are steps that you can take to gain eligibility without losing

a lot in the process.


OUR FIRM CAN HELP


If you would like to embed an incapacity plan within a broader,

comprehensive estate plan, contact us to schedule a consultation.


Or visit our website www.sinclairprosserlaw.com

Nicole Livingston

Jon J. Gasior

Colleen SinclairProsser

Victor A. Lembo

alzheimer's disease makes incapacity planning a must

Law