Why You Need to Consult an Elder Law Attorney Immediately After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia
Hearing a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease from your doctor isn’t just a scary change to your daily routine. It also presents unique legal challenges for you and your family in ways you may not have considered. While your health should be your top priority, it is important to also prepare for the future by picking a skilled elder law attorney.
When dealing with dementia, eventually you may become unable to make legal and medical decisions on your own. That’s where an attorney comes in to help keep you protected. Our elder law team can also help you avoid financial problems associated with your medical issues by planning to minimize your costs and coming up with an estate strategy to protect your family’s legacy. Top Wilmington estate planning attorneys discuss protecting your interests in the article below.
Plan Around Your Diagnosis Early to Avoid Problems Later
The important thing to remember about a dementia diagnosis is to get started with legal planning as early as possible. That’s the best way to ensure your wishes are honored and your family is taken care of while you deal with such a major change to your life.
Immediately after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you may still have the capacity to make your own legal plans. However, the longer you wait, the greater the risk of losing the ability to make these key decisions for yourself.
A Wilmington elder law and estate planning attorney can protect your future in a number of critical ways. Here are a few of the ways we may be able to assist you:
- Preventing challenges to your will and other legal directives
- Selecting a qualified individual to make legal and medical decisions for you down the line
- Distributing assets and property according to your wishes while covering expenses
- Maintaining financial independence by minimizing tax responsibility
- Utilizing programs for aiding seniors in paying for care and housing, such as Medicaid
- Preventing adult children or former spouses from taking advantage of your diagnosis
Planning for potential long-term care now can also avoid devastating financial problems later. In particular, we can help you understand how your recent and upcoming monetary decisions may impact your ability to receive Medicaid benefits or pay for an assisted living facility out of pocket.
Now Is the Time to Contact Our Experienced Wilmington Elder Law Attorneys
Have you or a family member recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or any other medical condition that leads to dementia? We’re ready to help! Be sure to sign up for one of our upcoming seminars for more info, or contact us today for a consultation to get started on your elder law plan.
