Honoring Their Wishes: End-of-Life Planning for Dementia Patients

End-of-Life Planning Can Be Tough Under the Best Circumstances

If you have elders with dementia, have you thought about end-of-life planning?

A 2023 special report from the National Institute of Health, estimates 6.7 million Americans over age 65 currently live with Alzheimer’s dementia. As the population continues to age, that number is only going to grow.

There is a growing concern about how the end-of-life wishes for dementia patients are honored.

As an estate and asset protection attorney, I have seen far too many people wait until it is too late to properly address this concern. I’ve seen families unnecessarily torn apart due to lack of planning. I do much education and encouraging about this concern. Importantly, it’s critical to address it before signs of dementia appear. In my experience, that is the only way to ensure that the end-of-life wishes of dementia patients are honored.

Fear Of Getting Dementia Can Be A Powerful Motivator

Nobody likes to think about death or about the possibility of becoming cognitively impaired prior to death. However, these are important topics that must be discussed and planned for as early as possible. Nobody knows what life has in store. And, when we address the things we fear most and put a plan in place for the worst-case eventualities, the fear subsides when you know your wishes are expressed and will be carried out.

Most people are afraid to dive in and consider what life would be like should they become incapable of making decisions for themselves. But, doing so can be beneficial for yourself and for your loved ones. One thing to keep in mind is that even though you may plan for the worst-case scenarios, that does not mean that they will happen. Being prepared and having a plan is just that, a plan that is in place in case it is needed.

When it comes to end-of-life planning, start the conversation with loved ones first.

It’s critical to share the kind of care you want and who should make your decisions if you’re incapacitated. Contact an attorney and draw up a living will which explicitly states how you want to be treated in an emergency, including which treatments you want and which you want to avoid. You will also want to assign a Durable Power of Attorney for health care. This person will make health care decisions for you if you become incapable. In addition, you will assign a Financial Power of Attorney to handle your financial affairs.

Be Proactive

If you know anyone who has suffered with dementia, whether in your immediate family or not, you may have a good idea of how difficult it can be to address the important decisions once the illness has set in. Please, do not hesitate. Start by initiating a conversation with loved ones. Then put a solid plan in place. Give my office a call at (470) 235-7868.

Looking to find an experienced estate lawyer in the Georgia area who is skilled in asset protection and estate plan preparation? Shannon Pawley is an attorney in Georgia with expertise in estate planning and asset protection. Shannon can provide assistance with creating an estate plan to include making a will and how to establish a trust properly. If you have questions about asset protection or questions about making an estate plan, reach out to Shannon and she will be glad to help answer all the estate planning questions you might have!