Elderly Person Holding Their Hands Open With a Piece of Paper That Reads Long Term Care | Long-Term Care Planning and Considerations | The TGQ Law Firm

Ages and Stages | Long-Term Care Planning and Considerations

Dementia and Alzheimer’s create a heavy emotional burden for the entire family and major financial implications. The patients may need years of extensive healthcare and personal assistance beyond routine elderly care.

If your spouse or loved one has received dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis, you should start long-term care planning as soon as possible. Specifically, you should look into long-term care insurance covering in-home care, adult daycare, and nursing home care for older or disabled adults. Our team at The TGQ Law Firm is here to help you through the process.

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Evaluating the Need for Long-Term Care Insurance

As with any insurance policy, you should start looking into long-term care insurance long before you or your spouse might need it. To find a solid policy with favorable terms, you must be eligible for coverage (i.e., in good health). Typically, you should purchase a policy when you and your spouse are between 40 and 45, if not earlier.

Keep in mind that long-term care coverage policies will differ between providers. Ask yourself:

  • Can I afford to keep paying the premium for the rest of my or my spouse’s life?
  • Do I or my spouse have any pre-existing condition that may disqualify us from the policy?
  • What exactly does the policy cover?
  • How long do the benefits last (a year, two years, five years)?

Navigating the Emotional and Practical Challenges of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Caring for a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s is incredibly taxing. Your loved one may experience memory and cognitive difficulties in the early stages. Your job may be easier if you:

  • Stick to a healthy daily routine that includes dressing, meals, and bathing
  • If possible, make a basic system of reminders and to-do lists for your family member
  • Try to help your loved one handle all the daily tasks they can, as long as it’s safe and practical
  • Speak slowly, calmly, and cheerfully when communicating with your loved one

A healthy support network will help you cope with your difficult job and prevent burnout. Make arrangements for respite care from time to time so you can take much-needed breaks.

Legal Considerations in Caregiving | Do I Need a Lawyer?

If your spouse has dementia or Alzheimer’s, at some point, they will no longer be able to handle their affairs. You need to prepare for taking over financial planning, day-to-day tasks, and medical decisions for your spouse.

With early planning, your spouse can draft a durable power of attorney (POA) document that authorizes you to make financial, healthcare, and other key decisions on their behalf. However, it’s only possible to do this while your spouse is legally capable of signing a POA.

If you need to divorce or legally separate, the process may be complicated when your spouse has advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s. The court may need to appoint a legal guardian to represent your spouse’s interests.

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The Role of a Lawyer for Domestic Caregivers

As a caregiver of a spouse or family member with dementia, you need solid legal counsel. If your loved one can still make decisions, you can meet with an attorney for estate and long-term care planning.

An elder law attorney can help you:

  • Draft durable POA documents while your loved one is capable of signing them
  • Apply for guardianship if you’re caring for a parent who can no longer make their own decisions
  • Understand your duties as a personal representative or legal guardian
  • Take steps to protect your family’s assets
  • Understand how various insurance policies work with your estate plan
  • Navigate difficult decisions, like divorcing or legally separating from a spouse with dementia

The TGQ Law Firm: Planning for Long-Term Care in Michigan

As a caregiver or family member of a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s, you must make many difficult decisions. Long-term care planning will help you choose wisely for your loved one and the entire family.

At The TGQ Law Firm, we provide reliable and compassionate legal advice for caregivers. We can help you determine your insurance options, protect your estate, make a solid retirement plan, and assist with legal documents like powers of attorney and living wills.

Contact us at (734) 707-3232 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team of lawyers for caregivers.

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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be legal advice. Everyone’s situation is different and legal advice is only properly given after having reviewed your specific situation.