The Start Of The Alzheimer's Journey

This is about a woman named Shirley, who's been recently told she might have Alzheimer's. But it could be about - and will be about - many of us.

Her son Mike visited.

"Mom, I've been thinking we might need to talk," Mike said. "Ever since Dad died, I've been helping you with the financial stuff." Shirley nodded. "Now, don't get me wrong, Mom. We know you're still doing pretty well on your own right now."

Shirley knew what was coming.

"I understand you don't want to think about it," he finally said. "But the doctor said that one day you might now be able to tell me what you want, or you wouldn't remember things. And I wouldn't know what you'd want me to do."

"You'd know what I'd want."

"Well, Mom. I'm not sure I really would. I don't know where your papers are. I don't know who your financial advisor is. Why don't we at least write it all down together, and take it to a lawyer to see if we need to do anything else."

Shirley might retain her mental faculties for a long time...even years. During this time, she may experience only short episodes of impaired mental function. Which is exactly why she should be organizing these plans now!

Eventually, she may no longer meet her state's legal test for "capacity," a requirement for executing valid legal documents. If that happens, Shirley will no longer be able to execute enforceable legal documents at the very time she - and her family - need them the most. Someone else will have to make decisions and execute documents for her. And that's why she should act now.

If she draws up a Power of Attorney now, she can decide who she'd like to execute her wishes if she can't.

If she waits too long, though, a court will decide for her. That can be a very long, tortuous, divisive (among the family) process. And one that Shirley - and, no doubt, you - would rather spare her family.

We can help.

At The Law Offices of Alice Reiter Feld & Associates, we're Elder Law attorneys. Over the past 33 years, we've executed Powers of Attorney for thousands of South Florida families...as well as comprehensive estate planning, wills, trusts, long-term care planning, asset protection plans, and assistance with the VA or Medicaid. And we've done it with professionalism, compassion, and, when necessary, a soft shoulder.

You don't have to make the Alzheimer's Journey alone. We're just a phone call away.