Mild Alzheimer's Disease - Steps You Can Take
People at this stage of Alzheimer's disease are often able to manage their financial and legal affairs with some support. They are often able to understand and weigh the information needed to make decisions and to communicate those decisions with their caregiver.
Issues to Consider:
- Managing financial affairs, now and in the future
- Choosing who will make decisions for the person with Alzheimer's disease if it becomes necessary
- Thinking through future healthcare preferences
- Locating community programs and agencies that can help, now and in the future
- Learning about what benefits are provided by Medicare, Medicaid, and other forms of health insurance
Steps to Take:
- Plan for the future. Talk about what is important to both of you
- Discuss options with an attorney who has experience in elder-care issues
- Keep copies of all important papers, such as health insurance cards, financial papers, and wills, in a safe place
- Talk with a financial planner for help in managing financial affairs, such as investments
- Consult an attorney about whether each of you should obtain a will, a durable power of attorney, or advance directives
- Find out about sources of coverage to help meet the cost of healthcare
Moderate Alzheimer's Disease - Steps You Can Take
People at this stage may have more difficulty doing daily chores and caring for themselves. This may be a time during which both of you can benefit by using additional sources of assistance.
Issues to Consider:
- Level of assistance needed, if any, for healthcare, personal care, and home care
- Availability of services in your community and the quality of those services
Steps to Take:
- Think about what kinds of community services can help you. Find out if they are available in your area
- Find out what kinds of insurance or entitlements are available to help pay for services (whether completely or in part)
- Visit community services (such as adult day centers or assisted living facilities)
- Make sure that any legal documents, such as wills or advance directives, are up to date
- Contact a geriatric care manager for help in making a plan that promotes independence. A care manager can also help you locate and arrange any necessary services, such as meal services or home health services
