3 Key Ways to Support a Loved One Recently Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in California

Has a California loved one in your life recently received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis? We know that an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be overwhelming for both the individual and their family. This progressive condition brings changes that affect memory, behavior, and day-to-day living. For families, it is crucial to act early to create a supportive environment that addresses both medical and legal needs as the disease progresses.

As we observe National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, there is no better time to consider how to best support your loved one and ensure their wishes are honored. Let us share in our blog three essential ways to support a loved one recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s that we share with our clients, friends, and community.

1. Establish a comprehensive care plan. The first priority following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is to establish a comprehensive care plan. Alzheimer’s impacts individuals differently, and early planning helps accommodate changes in needs as the disease progresses. You may choose to work closely with medical professionals, including a primary care physician and a neurologist, to assess the current stage of the disease and outline future care needs. These options may range from in-home assistance to specialized memory care facilities as the condition advances.

In California, families can explore resources like the Alzheimer’s Association and local support groups, which offer valuable guidance, caregiver resources, and access to respite care. By creating a proactive plan for medical care and everyday assistance, as well as working with a California elder law attorney, families can manage symptoms more effectively and avoid rushed decisions during times of crisis.

1. Update essential estate planning documents. Legal planning is vital to safeguarding your loved one’s rights and ensuring their wishes are respected throughout the progression of Alzheimer’s. Key legal planning tools such as powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and trust agreements should be established or updated as soon as possible. For example, a durable power of attorney for finances will allow a trusted individual to manage financial affairs should your loved one be unable to do so themselves in the future due to the disease.

California has specific requirements for these documents, so it is critical to work with both an experienced estate planning and elder law planning attorney. Your attorney can help ensure compliance with state laws. By choosing to update your loved one’s plans early, you can help protect their assets, reduce legal complications, and honor their healthcare choices.

1. Consult with a California elder law attorney for long-term planning. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, and long-term planning with a California elder law attorney can make all the difference in protecting assets, planning for care, and addressing future needs. An experienced California elder law attorney can assist in setting up a conservatorship if necessary, planning for Medi-Cal eligibility to cover the cost of long-term care, and creating specialized trusts that can protect assets while preserving eligibility for benefits.

Elder law attorneys are also well-versed in California’s specific laws and resources available to families coping with Alzheimer’s. By consulting with a knowledgeable attorney, families can develop a comprehensive strategy to manage future expenses, secure the highest quality of care, and navigate the complex financial and legal landscape that accompanies an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

We know this article may raise more questions than it answers. Facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis with advance preparations, however, families can ensure their loved one’s needs and wishes are met at every stage, providing peace of mind and allowing for quality time and care. Do you have questions? We know this article may raise more questions than it answers. Our office is here for you and your loved ones. Please call us to schedule a meeting time.