According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are an estimated 5 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, San Diego has a lot of resources for families living with the disease. The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers is one resource that helps families with adult day care, respite programs, and support groups. The Southern California Caregiver Resource Cener also provides assistance in the form of support groups, seminars, respite care, etc. Information on geriatric care managers is available through the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Manager’s Association.
Alzeimer’s eventually results in disorientation, memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and inability to take care of oneself and one’s finances. Planning ahead can be vital for family members caring for the Alzheimer patient. Once the individual loses the capacity to make financial decisions, it is too late to execute important documents like powers of attorney and wills or trusts. All such documents require that a person have the ability to understand what they are signing and the legal effect of signing the document. If a person becomes incapacitated before someone can be named to make important decisions, the only alternative may be a conservatorship which is costly, requires court approval, and takes time.
If you are coping with a person who has Alzheimer’s or any other type of dementia, take advantage of all the resources available. Contact us at Law Office of Scott C. Soady, A Professional Corporation if we can help with powers of attorney or other legal documents to enable other individuals to take over health care and financial decisions when the person becomes unable to do it personally.