If there are signs of dementia what do I need to set up?
There are estimates that one out of five persons in California is dealing with dementia and while there isn’t a definition for a dementia epidemic it sure sounds to us that there is one now. Knowing that dementia is evident you can’t waste time planning for the care of the patient. You must set up plans and create legal agreements before the patient becomes incapacitated — unless of course you don’t care if their wishes are respected.
Chances are you want to take care of your parents and you want your parents to be part of the planning. So here are some steps to take from elder law attorney Martha Patterson.
First, she says, make sure there’s a Trust and see if others have access to the financial accounts of the relative with dementia. You want to be sure that only someone you really trust has this access. Once incapacitated, your loved one will lose their veto power.
There is another complication to watch out for, says Martha Patterson. “Unfortunately sometimes caregivers die before the people they are caring for die and that could mean that assets are locked up with no one to make decisions for the person with dementia is incapacitated.
Elder law attorney Martha Patterson offers a free consultation and $500 off any paid services when you contact her at her website www.ElderLawMom.com and this is something you shouldn’t put off.
