You have a loved one who’s showing signs of memory loss and you’re concerned that it might be Alzheimer’s disease . . . or perhaps your loved one has already been diagnosed.
In either case, you’re concerned about getting them good care and wondering where you’ll find the strength to carry on throughout the course of a disease that can sometimes last for 10 or even 20 years.
And when you think about the cost . . . you begin to worry if you might lose everything to Alzheimer’s.
“What Steps Should I Be Taking Right Now?”
Of course, it’s important that you talk to your doctor as soon as your loved one starts to show signs of memory loss or Dementia.
And even though you may be fearing the worst . . . that it’s Alzheimer’s disease . . . there are any number of less serious reasons why someone might be experiencing memory loss or Dementia. Not all of them are related to Alzheimer’s . . . but some of them have very similar symptoms.
But even if the medical side of things is being handled, there are several crucial steps on the legal and financial side of things which you should consider immediately. That’s because the cost of care for someone with Alzheimer’s is incredibly expensive. Studies show that the cost of care in Broward, Palm Beach and all of South Florida averages more than $174,000 for an Alzheimer’s patient over his or her lifetime.
And while that may sound outrageous . . . when you consider that the cost of adult daycare is often $50 per day or more . . . or that the cost for an Alzheimer’s Assisted Living community in Broward and Palm Beach and surrounding areas averages at least $3,000 per month . . . or that the cost of a South Florida Alzheimer’s Nursing Home is typically more than $6,500 per month and you quickly realize that the $174,000 lifetime figure may be low!
Fortunately, there are often programs available to help you if you act now and plan ahead.
The first step is to consult with a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney who works with Alzheimer’s clients.
It’s critical that you and your loved ones have a chance to put the proper planning in place while there is still time. The simple fact is that none of us knows how much time we have on this earth. When Alzheimer’s or memory loss is part of the equation, however, life becomes more complicated.
That’s because you may “know” exactly what your spouse or loved one would want. But if those wishes have not somehow been put down in writing, then the law may not recognize your supposed “knowledge.” In legal-speak, it’s considered hearsay and has no legal merit.
Instead, the law in Florida says the Alzheimer’s patient must have the legal capacity (i.e. the ability to understand) the planning steps. For that reason, that’s why we suggest you act right now . . . while the Alzheimer’s patient can participate in the planning. The longer you wait, the greater the risk becomes.
Taking Care Of The Caregiver
While the consequences of Alzheimer’s can be stunning, it is important to remember that there is good information available to you and your family. Our firm has helped hundreds of families in Broward, Palm Beach and all of South Florida. We can help you discover what initial steps you need to take to provide the best possible care for your loved one and still make sure you are taking care of yourself.
Our firm has made a significant investment in acquiring the best materials and resources that address the unique needs of folks like you who are caregivers to Alzheimer’s or Dementia patients. You’ll have access to a great deal of relevant and useful information to help you cope, compliments of our firm.
We’ve set up an online Alzheimer’s Resource Center that we are offering completely FREE of charge, because our firm advocates for senior care and is committed to the ongoing “Fight for a Cure.” Click here to gain access to this invaluable and incredibly helpful online resource center.
