The prospect of developing Alzheimer's disease late in your life may not be a very pleasant one, but it is a real one all the same. If you knew that there was a significant possibility of encountering some type of challenge in the future, you would probably want to prepare in advance to the best of your ability. However, many people go through life without planning ahead for the possibility of incapacity. Approximately one out of every eight senior citizens is suffering from Alzheimer's … [Read more...] about Alzheimer’s Looms Large for Seniors
Make Sure Health Care Proxy Can Access Health Care Information
If you have not done so already you may want to discuss incapacity planning with an estate planning lawyer as soon as possible. Incapacity planning is important for people of all ages, and while it includes both property and health care issues, the document most people are familiar with is a living will. To see why this is important, look no further than the case of Terri Schiavo. This young woman fell into a vegetative state after suffering full cardiac arrest while she was in her 20s. She … [Read more...] about Make Sure Health Care Proxy Can Access Health Care Information
Alzheimer’s Research Pushes Forward
We live during an era when the population of the United States is aging very rapidly. The baby boomer generation is starting to get up there in years, and this is having a very big impact within the elder law community. As we all know Alzheimer's disease is something that for the most part impacts people after they reach an advanced age. So, given the aging of the population a significant increase in Alzheimer's cases is expected in the coming years. The reach of this disease is vast indeed; … [Read more...] about Alzheimer’s Research Pushes Forward
When Dementia Strikes, Who Makes The Decisions?
Being aware of the challenges that often confront senior citizens is important when you are planning for the eventualities of aging. Along these lines, you should know that the segment of the population that is 85 years of age and older is growing faster than any other. And given the capabilities of medical science, we expect lifespans to continue to expand. When you reach an advanced age, you become more vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease. As you probably know, Alzheimer's causes dementia; and … [Read more...] about When Dementia Strikes, Who Makes The Decisions?
Have You Considered Becoming An Organ Donor?
There was a time when you could be provided with a certain diagnosis by your doctor that was equivalent to a death sentence, but these days medical science is capable of some amazing things. Certain failed organs can be transplanted, and thousands of lives are saved every year through successful transplant surgeries. One of the primary challenges lies in the fact that there are always more people in need of transplants than there are available donors. With this in mind, when you are … [Read more...] about Have You Considered Becoming An Organ Donor?
A Look At Advance Directives
Many people think of estate planning as a purely financial endeavor. Of course, readying your assets for transfer to your loved ones after your death is a large part of the exercise. But most people are not in perfect health during the days, months, and often years before their deaths. Oftentimes individuals go through a period of incapacity during which they're unable to make decisions for themselves. Of course, this is common among people who reach an advanced age, but sometimes younger … [Read more...] about A Look At Advance Directives
Incapacity Planning Is Important
When individuals think about planning their legacies, they often equate it with the creation of a last will or perhaps a revocable living trust. Indeed, inventorying assets and preparing them for eventual transfer to your loved ones after your death is a big part of what legacy planning is all about. At the same time, there are some other things to take into consideration if you want to be prepared for the eventualities of aging. This is why estate planning attorneys often emphasize the value of … [Read more...] about Incapacity Planning Is Important
How Revocable Living Trusts Provide Incapacity Planning
One of the most important benefits of revocable living trusts for you during your lifetime is incapacity planning. Incapacity (or disability) can occur at any time; and, it often arises unexpectedly. A stroke, car accident, or head injury can leave you unable to manage your day to day business affairs and financials. You Determine the Definition of Your Disability Your revocable living trust will define your disability so that it’s clear when authority passes from you to your named … [Read more...] about How Revocable Living Trusts Provide Incapacity Planning
Incapacity Planning: What Happens If I Can’t Make My Own Financial Decisions?
Estate planning involves incapacity planning so if you can’t make your own financial decisions in the future, a loved one or professional will step in and take over that responsibility. Incapacity planning will allow you to be properly prepared in case of an emergency. You never know when you may become incapacitated through a car accident, illness, or reaction to medication. Take the time to create a proper plan so that your financial affairs are always handled by someone you trust, even if … [Read more...] about Incapacity Planning: What Happens If I Can’t Make My Own Financial Decisions?
3 Absolutely Essential Health Care Documents
So long as you are able to make your own health care decisions, you will continue to do so. But, if there comes a time, and there usually does, when you are not able to make health care decisions on your own, it is imperative that you have these 3 absolutely essential health care documents. 1. A medical power of attorney is essential The medical power of attorney is a power of attorney for a specific use -- granting consent to medical treatment. You appoint a health care agent to act on … [Read more...] about 3 Absolutely Essential Health Care Documents
