According to the Alzheimer’s Association, today more than 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, it is projected that this number will rise to nearly 13 million. One in three seniors will die with this disease or another form of dementia, and of these, almost two-thirds will be women. 

Alzheimer’s is clearly on the rise, with death from this disease having more than doubled between 2000 and 2019. With statistics like these, there is little doubt that you or someone you love will be impacted by this devastating disease during your lifetime. 

When there is a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, many emotions come into play. Sometimes there is denial. This unwelcome news can be devastating for a family, especially if preparations have not been made for such an eventuality.  

If you or a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, do not despair. There are several things you can do to prepare for the progression of this disease. This will alleviate concerns about how to pay for long-term care in a nursing home, as well as other costs associated with this disease. There are also steps you can take to protect your assets and provide for your family in the future. 

It is critical that you take action as soon as possible if you receive a diagnosis of  Alzheimer’s. If you do not have your estate planning documents in place, now is the time to do it. You may still have the capacity to sign legal documents, depending on the stage of your Alzheimer’s, and an experienced elder law attorney can assess your ability to sign legal documents. 

One, if not the, most important legal document you should have is a Power of Attorney. If you are unable to manage your financial affairs, the individual you name as your Power of Attorney can assist you in that regard. The Power of Attorney can also assist you in qualifying for public benefits, such as Medicaid. Be careful about considering using an online source to create a Power of Attorney, for it may not take into consideration the laws specific to the State of Connecticut. You should also consider naming a Health Care Representative who will be your advocate in the health care profession. Of course, you should also consider creating a Will so that you can decide how you would like your estate to be distributed. An experienced elder law attorney can assist you in creating these documents which express your wishes.  

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease. Eventually, you may need assistance caring for yourself. Do you want to be cared for in your home? Will you require either an assisted living facility or nursing home care? An experienced elder law attorney can help you put a plan in place so that you can pay for this care either privately or through public benefits. An elder law attorney will review all of your financials and advise you of the best course of action. This plan may save you a significant amount of money, allowing your savings to stretch as far as possible and preserve your assets so that you can pass them down to your loved ones. 

If you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, there are a variety of resources to help you and your family cope with this disease. First, there is your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. They provide support groups, classes and a wealth of information to you and your family both online and in print. They also have a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-272-3900. Check out their website at www.alz.org. 

So, the bottom line for what to do if you receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is to contact an elder law attorney immediately. Much anxiety can be relieved knowing you have your affairs in order.