Understanding Memory Care Planning in Delaware
Receiving a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s for a loved one can be an emotionally challenging experience. The noticeable changes in their behavior, abilities, or care needs can be difficult for everyone involved. It is essential to plan and prepare for the upcoming changes and challenges.
We recognize you and your loved one may be unsure of your next steps, and you are likely experiencing some anxiety as you seek to envision the future and its accompanying implications and challenges. That is why we have leveraged our decades of experience guiding families through these issues to develop a comprehensive Memory Care Planning program that addresses the needs and goals of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s and those who love them.
When Should You Reach Out to a Memory Care Planning Attorney?
It’s crucial to contact a memory care planning attorney promptly after receiving a diagnosis. Early engagement helps organize your legal, financial, and healthcare plans, ensuring asset protection and securing the necessary care for the future. Early access to a memory care planning attorney also allows the affected family member to play an active role in the decision-making process to the greatest extent possible. At Jarvis Law Office, we help you navigate memory care planning in Delaware, ensuring you or your loved one experiences appropriate care, support, and dignity throughout their journey.
Memory Care Planning Services
- Asset Protection
- Business Succession Planning
- Care Navigation
- Charitable Planning
- Estate Planning
- Estate Tax Planning
- Medicaid Planning
- Powers of Attorney
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Administration
- Trusts and Wills
- Veterans Benefits
Financial Power of Attorney
In memory care planning, your lawyer will likely suggest establishing a power of attorney for financial and property matters. This involves appointing an agent to oversee your finances if you or your loved one becomes unable to do so independently, which can happen as we age. This designated individual will have the authority to make legal and financial decisions and manage actions on your behalf, either by stepping into your role entirely or assisting alongside you.
With this document in place, your family won’t have to petition the court for guardianship or conservatorship. In addition, you would then not have to worry about someone you don’t trust stepping in to make the decisions. Instead, you will hand-select the person, which promotes a more seamless process and allows you to let them know what your wishes are for the future. Your attorney will discuss this document with you and the importance of naming one or two successor agents in case your first choice isn’t available.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
In Delaware, Ohio, your memory care planning attorney can assist in drafting a power of attorney for healthcare. This document allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf, such as consenting to or refusing treatment, should you become unable to do so. It’s advisable to select one or two alternates in case your primary choice is unavailable to act as your healthcare proxy.
Many Delaware residents include a HIPAA release with a durable power of attorney document. This release authorizes your healthcare agents and anyone else you might want to receive medical information about you. If you don’t have this form, your agent and other family members won’t be able to see the complete picture. Your attorney will discuss these documents with you and assist you in choosing individuals best suited for the role of your healthcare agent.
Living Will
A living will enables you to outline your preferences for medical care as you approach the end of life. Through this document, you can specify whether you wish to receive life-sustaining treatments and, if so, what treatments you are willing to undergo. This ensures that your healthcare decisions reflect your wishes even if you can no longer communicate them. It also spares your loved ones from the emotional burden of making these difficult decisions on your behalf. Once established, a living will provide clarity and peace of mind for both you and your family.
Updating Your Estate Plan
Part of memory care planning involves revisiting and updating your estate plan. An attorney can assist in reviewing your existing plan to determine if any adjustments are needed. It’s vital to ensure your estate plan is complete before dementia advances, as losing legal capacity will prevent you from making or revoking any changes to the documents. It’s wise to take action today with the guidance of a Delaware estate planning attorney to maintain appropriate control over your assets and to provide direction to your decision-makers in the future.
Three Goals Of Memory Care Planning
- Focus on a loved one’s good health, safety, and well-being.
- Make dependable decisions regarding a family’s long-term care needs while keeping their goals in mind.
- Offer viable financial solutions in paying for long-term care costs.
Regardless of their situation, memory care and care navigation planning offer Delaware families the resources to manage their long-term care options and expenses. From reviewing existing insurance policies to exploring Medicaid eligibility options or filing veterans benefits claims, Jarvis Law Office has the necessary knowledge and experience to help clients identify financial solutions that are right for them. Schedule an appointment with one of our elder law attorneys experienced with dementia, Alzheimer’s, stroke, Parkinson’s, and more at our firm today.
What’s Involved in Memory Care & Care Navigation Planning?
Creating a thorough Memory Care or Care Navigation Plan is crucial to safeguarding the vital elements of your loved one’s life. This process involves pinpointing and addressing the significant areas that demand meticulous management and attention, including:
Preferred living arrangements: Determining the right location for your loved one, whether aging in place, transitioning to an assisted living facility, nursing home, or moving into a specialized memory care community. Jarvis Law Office offers access to a Care Navigator who liaises between the family and the care centers.
Healthcare providers: Jarvis Law Office team members will help identify preferred care providers to meet your loved one’s needs and develop a client-focused care plan to maximize the quality of life for your loved one. Your care navigator will also advocate on your loved one’s behalf and coordinate communication among the care professionals involved in that care.
Legal documentation: Develop essential legal tools like advance directives, durable powers of attorney, trusts, and guardian and conservator appointments to ensure your loved one’s medical, financial, and personal decisions are always in the right hands.
Transitioning From Home Or Assisted Living To Memory Care
Transitioning a loved one from their home or an assisted living facility to a memory care or specialized care setting can be a daunting task. By partnering with Jarvis Law Office, you receive support from a dedicated care navigator who offers guidance, resources, and advocacy to help you manage key considerations in memory care planning. Here are some helpful tips:
- Research memory care communities and facilities to identify those that meet your loved one’s needs and preferences.
- Visit potential communities, arrange a tour, meet with staff, and observe daily routines.
- Discuss the transition with your loved one or close support system, including the benefits and the importance of specialized care.
- Create a plan for the physical move, paying attention to details that can create a comfortable and familiar environment.
At Jarvis Law Office, our elder care attorneys and care navigators can diligently guide you and your loved one through these anticipated transitions to address your needs and concerns while helping you to prepare for the steps ahead.
Protecting Delaware Families with Memory Care Planning
Memory care planning is vital in protecting the health, well-being, and legacy of seniors, particularly for those experiencing cognitive difficulties such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, memory loss, or the effects of strokes and other neurological conditions.
Understanding that no two individuals or families are the same, we take a personalized approach to memory care planning to fulfill your loved one’s specific needs while maintaining their quality of life. Our compassionate professionals work closely with Delaware families to develop a custom plan that addresses various aspects of a senior’s life—from legal and financial matters to healthcare decisions and choosing the right care center.
Jarvis Law Office understands the emotional and practical challenges faced by families with seniors grappling with memory problems. We offer unmatched support while navigating the often-complex world of memory care planning, giving families the confidence and peace of mind that their loved ones’ interests are being looked after.
With a singular focus on protecting seniors’ health, well-being, and legacy, Jarvis Law Office is the go-to service provider for any family seeking the experience and support needed to handle the unique challenges of memory care planning. Fill out our online form or call us at (740) 640-6617 to schedule an appointment.
