Page 113 - Dementia-Care-Specialist-Toolkit

WHO CAN HELP? OTHER ADVANCE
Health Care Providers—Health
care providers cannot act as legal
or financial advisors, but they can
encourage planning discussions
between patients and their
families. Qualified clinicians can
also guide patients, families, the
care team, attorneys, and judges
regarding the patient’s ability to
make decisions.
Elder Law Attorneys (ELAs)—An
ELA helps older people and
families:
• • Interpret state laws
• Plan out how their wishes will be
carried out
• Understand their financial options
• Learn how to preserve financial
assets while caring for a loved one
Geriatric Care Managers (GCMs)
— GCMs are trained social workers
or nurses who can help people
with Alzheimer’s disease and their
families:
Learn how to preserve financial assets
while caring for a loved one
• discuss difficult topics
complex issues
• address emotional concerns
• make short- and long-term plans
• evaluate in-home care needs
• select care personnel
• coordinate medical services
• evaluate other living
arrangements
• provide caregivers stress relief
PLANNING ADVICE
Start discussions early. The rate of
decline differs for each person
with Alzheimer’s disease, and his or
her ability to be involved in
planning will decline over time.
People in the early stages of the
disease may be able to
understand the issues, but they
may also be defensive or
emotionally unable to deal with
difficult questions.
Review plans over time. Changes
in personal situations—such as a
divorce, relocation, or death in
the family—and in state laws can
affect how legal documents are
prepared and maintained.
Review plans regularly, and
update documents as needed.
Reduce anxiety about funeral
and burial arrangements.
Advance planning for the funeral
and burial can provide a sense of
and peace and reduce anxiety for
both the person with Alzheimer’s
and the family.
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