Caring for a senior loved one with dementia is an emotional and challenging journey. While managing daily caregiving responsibilities, legal planning is often overlooked, but it’s a crucial step for ensuring your loved one’s future is secure and his or her wishes are honored. This blog will guide you through the essential legal considerations families should address when supporting someone with dementia.
Understand the Importance of Legal Planning
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, legal planning may not immediately come to mind. However, it’s essential to address legal matters early while your loved one still has the capacity to actively participate in decision-making. Early planning ensures your loved one’s wishes are respected and can prevent potential familial disputes in the future. Legal documentation also simplifies financial management, healthcare decisions, and future care arrangements.
Planning early provides peace of mind not just for your loved one but for the rest of your family as well.
If your loved one’s wishes include living at home as long as possible, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the possibility he or she may need help with the activities of daily living. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide homecare services. Turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Establish Power of Attorney
A power of attorney (POA) allows seniors with dementia to designate someone they trust to handle their financial or medical decisions if they become unable to do so. There are two main types to consider:
- Durable power of attorney (financial) – Grants authority to handle the person’s finances, including paying bills, managing investments, or selling property.
- Medical power of attorney (healthcare proxy) – Designates someone to make healthcare decisions on the person’s behalf, including treatments, medications, and end-of-life care choices.
It’s critical to make sure these documents are drafted while your loved one is legally competent to make such decisions. Consulting an attorney familiar with elder law can ensure these documents meet legal requirements.
If your loved one gives you medical power of attorney, you’ll have the legal authority to hire a home caregiver for him or her. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading Florence elder care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Create an Advance Healthcare Directive
An advance healthcare directive, sometimes called a living will, outlines your loved one’s preferences for medical care in specific situations. This document typically includes instructions about:
- Life-sustaining treatments such as ventilators or feeding tubes
- Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders
- Preferences for pain management or palliative care
Having these directives in place alleviates stress for you by providing clear guidance on your loved one’s wishes, especially during critical medical situations.
Explore Guardianship and Conservatorship
When dementia progresses to advanced stages and your loved one is no longer able to make informed decisions, guardianship or conservatorship may become necessary. These legal proceedings provide a court-appointed individual with the authority to manage personal, medical, and financial matters for your loved one.
While these legal measures are more complex and often require court involvement, they may be vital in scenarios where no early planning documents like POAs have been created. It’s advisable to work with an experienced attorney to ensure compliance with local laws and processes.
Plan for Long-Term Care Expenses
Paying for long-term care, whether at home or in a facility, can place significant financial strain on families. It’s important to explore legal and financial strategies to cover these costs, such as:
- Medicaid – Understanding the eligibility requirements and rules for Medicaid can help you secure funding for nursing homes or in-home care.
- Long-term care insurance – If purchased prior to a dementia diagnosis, this can offset care expenses.
- Trusts – Establishing a revocable or irrevocable trust can protect assets while ensuring Medicaid eligibility.
A highly trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. For trusted and reliable dementia care, Florence families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. We are experts in caring for seniors with memory-related conditions, our caregivers are available 24/7, and all of our dementia care programs are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care of Northern Kentucky to provide high-quality compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today.
