Learning about Alzheimer’s
What do I do if I or someone I love is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease? How can I find help?
Body type J: First of all, Carter made clear one should not hit the panic button when facing an Alzheimer's diagnosis, whether for one's self or one's relative or friend. The main danger is loss of cognition, and that usually does not occur for a long time after the diagnosis. In fact, she emphasized the person with Alzheimer's should be kept in the loop even after significant loss of cognition has occurred. "Involve the person in the conversation whenever possible," said Carter. Even in advanced stages, cognition comes and goes. Landry said, "Take him to the doctor when he's at his worst and to the lawyer when he's at his best." The doctor needs to know the worst and the lawyer needs the best cognition.
The five important documents everyone should have in place in case of death or incapacity are as follows: 1. Will or revokable trust, 2. General durable (financial) power of attorney, 3. Medical durable (Healthcare) power of attorney, 4. Living will (end of life declaration), and 5. HIPAA release. Carter explained the power of attorney may or may not go to a close relative; make it someone whose judgment you trust. Also, designate one person as primary power of attorney and another as backup, not two with the same authority. The other most important item is the HIPAA release. Without it, your friend or relative or even another doctor will not be able to see your medical records.
"If you already have long term care insurance, good for you," said Carter. But if you don't, you need to explore your possibilities. It is best to do this with a counsellor -- financial or legal. "This is not being fraudulent," said Landry; "it is just making the best use of your assets." Medicaid pays for long-term care; Medicare does not. In the case of a married couple, it is possible one spouse may be Medicaid-eligible even if the other is not.
Also, if you are the caretaker or the diagnosed, many items you may not have considered are tax-deductible -- personal care items, home improvements, in-home care, nursing services, assisted living and nursing home care. If you are considering buying a long-term care policy, ask if Alzheimer's disease is covered; it usually isn't. Other questions should be -- When can a person with dementia begin to collect benefits? What is the daily benefit? How long will benefits be paid, and is there a maximum lifetime payout? What kinds of care will the policy cover? Are there tax implications for receiving benefits?
A reverse mortgage may seem attractive, but there are pitfalls: eligibility for other government programs may be affected; closing costs and service fees can vary greatly; sole homeowners who stay in assisted living or a nursing home for over a year must repay the balance of the loan, which may result in loss of the home. When a person dies, the balance of the mortgage is due immediately.
"You can't do it all by yourself," said Carter. "Your relatives are your first line of defense. Don't say, 'I don't want to be a burden to my children.' Your children will be glad to help you." Landry added, "My parents are living with us now, and it's a joy to be able to help them." Also, friends can help out. One man loved his
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