Caregivers provide support for the millions of Americans who are caring for aging parents. With that in mind, the attorneys at Legacy Care Law Firm have prepared a guide for caregivers, including some estate planning tips for caregivers with aging parents.
America’s Caregivers
Today, there are over 50 million people providing unpaid care to a family member or loved one in the United States. Many of those caregivers are providing care to an elderly parent or parents, many of whom are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, one out of every nine people aged 65 and older is living with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S., leaving many adult children in a position where they provide care to a parent while simultaneously caring for their own children. If you are caring for an elderly parent, proper estate planning is crucial.
Estate Planning Essentials
If you find yourself caring for an elderly parent, or if you see the need arising in the future, careful estate planning is essential. Moreover, it is important to make sure that these estate planning essentials are addressed early as, particularly if your parent has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, because incapacity could remove your parent’s legal ability to execute critical estate planning documents down the road. Important estate planning tools related to caregiving include:
- Basic estate planning. Make sure that your parent’s estate plan is up to date and reflects his/her current wishes. If your parent does not have at least a basis Last Will and Testament, now is the time to urge them to create one.
- Decision-making authority. Whether you are providing care because of your parent’s physical limitations affecting mobility or your parent’s loss of cognitive decision-making abilities, the need for care is likely expected to be a long-term commitment. To ensure you have the necessary decision-making authority in such situations, it’s advisable to establish both a Financial Power of Attorney and a Healthcare Power of Attorney.
- Long-term care planning. There may come a point when your parent requires care that is only available in a long-term care facility. In situations where you are the primary caregiver and unforeseen circumstances prevent you from continuing this role, long-term care may be the only viable option. With an annual nationwide cost exceeding $100,000, planning for long-term care is crucial. Medicaid planning can help protect assets and ensure eligibility for Medicaid if it becomes necessary.
Caregivers Guide to Caring for a Parent with Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is “a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.” The most common cause of dementia among older adults, Alzheimer’s symptoms typically begin when a person is in their 60s but can begin earlier or later. If you are caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease, consider the following tips:
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals early and regularly. A crucial element in the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s is gaining a comprehensive understanding of the disease and its impact on your loved one. Familiarize yourself with your parent’s current stage of Alzheimer’s and what to anticipate next to deliver effective care.
- Ensure you have the necessary legal authority. Eventually, someone will need to assume control of assets and make healthcare decisions for your parent. Early on a Power of Attorney may suffice; however, you will eventually need to become your parent’s legal guardian.
- Don’t hesitate to seek and accept assistance. Providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s can be mentally and physically draining. Recognize when you require help, and don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and family members to lend a hand. If someone offers to assist, graciously accept their help.
- Recognize when it’s time to consider long-term care. There may come a point where providing safe care for your parent becomes impossible due to the advanced stages of the disease. It’s crucial to acknowledge that relocating your parent to a long-term care facility may be necessary, both for their safety and for the sake of your own mental and physical well-being.
- Become a part of a support group. Joining a local support group is an effective means to manage the challenges that accompany caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. It also serves as a reminder that you are not alone on this journey. You can find local support groups through resources such as the Alzheimer’s Association website. Another excellent resource is the Area Agency on Aging which has over 600 non-profit organizations across the country. While the services offered at each AAA can vary slightly, they may be able to help you with:
- Nutrition. Counseling, home delivered meals, and congregate (group) meals.
- Caregiver Support. Respite care and caregiver training / education.
- Care Management. In-home care assessments and care plan development.
- Information & Referral. Information about home and community-based assistance programs, such as Medicaid, and referrals to administrators.
- Long Term Care Ombudsmen. Information about long term care facilities and investigation of complaints
- Insurance Counseling. Assists seniors in understanding and maximizing the benefits of their insurance, especially Medicare.
- Transportation. Assistance understanding and coordinating shared, non-medical transportation services.
Contact Our Estate Planning Attorneys
For more information, please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you have additional questions about our guide for caregivers in New Hampshire, contact our elder law attorneys in our North Andover, Woburn, and Beverly offices at (978) 969-0331. Our Salem and Nashua, New Hampshire office can be reached at (603) 894-4141.
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