Struggling with a dementia diagnosis in your family is an overwhelming situation that can lead many people to feel frustrated and confused. Identifying the right estate planning lawyer to assist you with this process is strongly recommended because there are many complicated issues involved when it comes to a dementia patient. Frequently, the caretaker spouse is the one who is forgotten in the grief and the confusion over the initial dementia diagnosis.ThinkstockPhotos-490389376

Although it may seem predictable that the person who has been diagnosed with dementia will not outlive the spouse, it is important that the caregiver spouse also consider their own potential for becoming ill or passing away before the spouse with dementia. Unfortunately, many different studies indicate that death rates for caregiver spouses are actually higher than for non-caregivers at the same age.

It is potentially harmful and stressful for your health to be a caregiver and this must be incorporated in your overall estate planning goals. Your powers of attorney should be elder law powers of attorney that give unlimited gifting powers which can be critical to save your assets in the event that one or both of you needs the nursing home.

Not creating an advanced directive for either person could lead to a potential guardianship proceeding and potential frustration for your loved ones in the courts. It is much more important to consider the next steps that you need to take well in advance. A caregiver spouse should always incorporate his or her unique needs in the estate planning process.

 

Comments are closed.