What is Memory Care Planning in Ohio?
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, it can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. Noticeable differences in your loved one’s behavior, capacity, or care needs can be jarring for everyone involved. Planning and preparing for the changes and challenges ahead is crucial.
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 I contact a Memory Care Planning attorney?
You should contact a memory care planning lawyer as soon as you or your loved one gets a diagnosis to ensure that your legal, financial, and healthcare affairs are in order, as well as to protect your assets and secure the appropriate care for your 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 Ohio, 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
Power of Attorney For Finances
Your memory care planning lawyer will likely recommend a power of attorney for financial and property management. You will name an agent to manage finances if you or your loved one become incapacitated or need assistance, as some of us do as we age. This person will be able to step into your shoes fully or walk beside you and handle all the same things you can regarding legal and financial decisions and actions.
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.
Power Of Attorney For Healthcare
Your Ohio memory care planning attorney can also help you draft a power of attorney for healthcare. The person you designate will make healthcare decisions on your behalf, including consenting to or refusing medical treatment. You should choose one to two individuals if your preferred agent isn’t available to serve as your healthcare proxy in this role.
Many Ohio residents include a HIPAA release with the 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
You can choose what type of medical treatment you’ll receive as you near the end of your life by creating a living will. With this document, you can determine whether physicians can provide life-sustaining treatment. If so, you can also select the type of treatment you’re willing to accept. A living will allow you to control your medical decisions, even when you cannot verbalize them. It also takes the burden off your loved ones. Once this document is in place, loved ones won’t have to worry about making decisions regarding these treatments.
Update Your Estate Plan
Memory care planning also includes updating your estate plan. Your attorney can review your current estate plan to see if you require modifications. It’s essential to have your estate plan fully in place before dementia progresses. If you become legally incapacitated, you won’t be able to modify or revoke any documents. It is wise to take action today with the guidance of an Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Memory Care & Care Navigation Planning Entails
To protect what matters most, developing a comprehensive Memory Care or Care Navigation Plan involves identifying critical aspects of your loved one’s life that need careful 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 personalized 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.
From Your Current Home Or Assisted Living To Memory Care
Transitioning a loved one from their home or an assisted living center to memory care or another personalized care environment can be challenging. When you work with Jarvis Law Office, you gain a dedicated care navigator for guidance, resources, and advocacy to help you address important memory care planning considerations. 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 personalized 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.
Memory Care Planning — Protecting Families In Ohio
Memory care planning plays a vital role in ensuring the health, well-being, and legacy of seniors, especially those facing cognitive challenges such as Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss, or the impact of stroke or other neurological diagnoses.
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 Ohio 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.
