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How can people with Alzheimer’s disease prepare for the future?

Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease isn’t easy. Your mind might be swarming with new concerns and questions. It’s common to feel like you are losing control over your own life.

Although this news can complicate your idea of the future, you do have options to maintain control. The National Institute on Aging suggests taking action early in the illness in order to protect yourself and your family down the road.

Create an advanced care directive

Perhaps the most frightening aspect of memory loss is the trouble with making decisions. You may have certain health care and end-of-life matters that are important to you. In order to make sure you receive the kind of care you want, you can make an advanced care directive.

This directive represents your legal instructions for doctors in emergency situations. For example, you can choose whether you want CPR if it might save your life. You can also select a person to make future medical decisions on your behalf, which is called the durable power of attorney for health care. Many Nevada residents appoint a son or daughter to honor their wishes.

Consider a living trust

Like a regular last will and testament, a revocable living trust helps you to think through how to divide your legacy among your heirs and beneficiaries

Unlike a regular will, however, a revocable living trust protects your privacy and your hard-earned assets from probate. Assets held in trust pass directly to intended beneficiaries and are not subject to the probate process. You must also appoint a trustee who is similar to the durable power of attorney for health care. The trustee can manage your estate according to your wishes – even if you are still alive and can no longer express those wishes.

Seek professional guidance

If you are struggling with your memory, it can be difficult to figure out these complicated legal and financial matters on your own. The best thing to do is to ask for advice when you need it.

Working with patient medical and legal professionals can clarify the benefits and process of estate planning. You may also wish to have a trusted family member join you in this process to help you feel comfortable and confident that your wishes will be respected.

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