Handouts · Dementia & Caregiving
Planning Ahead: Legal, Financial & Care
Hard as it is to face early, planning while your loved one can still take part is a gift to everyone. It protects their wishes and spares you agonizing decisions later.
Start Early
Legal documents require the person to have capacity — the ability to understand the decision. In early dementia that's often still possible, so don't wait.
Involve them in their own wishes while you can. It honors their voice.
Key Legal Documents
- Durable power of attorney — names who manages finances.
- Healthcare proxy / POA — names who makes medical decisions.
- Advance directive / living will — their wishes for care.
- Will and updated beneficiaries.
Financial Steps
- Gather accounts, bills, insurance, and passwords in one place.
- Set up bill autopay to prevent missed payments.
- Watch for scams — people with dementia are targeted.
- Meet with an elder-law attorney or financial planner.
Care Options & Costs
- In-home care — aides for part- or full-day help.
- Adult day programs — supervised daytime activity.
- Assisted living / memory care — residential support.
- Ask what Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term-care insurance cover — it varies.
Build a Care Team
- Primary clinician plus a specialist (neurology, geriatrics, psychiatry).
- Care manager or social worker to coordinate.
- Family meeting to share roles and decisions.
- If no one can safely decide and no POA exists, ask about guardianship.
My Checklist
Documents still needed:
Professional to contact:
Care option to explore:
You don't have to sort it all at once. Pick the most urgent item — usually powers of attorney — and start there. An elder-law attorney and the Alzheimer's Association Helpline (1-800-272-3900) can guide the sequence.