Alzheimer’s Looms — Action Required
by Michael J. O'Brien, Esq (The O'Brien Law Firm LLC)We have all heard of Alzheimer’s disease, but it can be surprising to learn about just how widespread it has become. The Alzheimer’s Association does a lot of work drawing attention to this plague on our nation’s elderly, and they offer some rather eye-catching statistics.
They have found that one out of every eight people who have reached the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s disease. This in itself is enough to get you to sit up and take notice.
The likelihood of contracting Alzheimer’s disease increases as you get older. The Alzheimer’s Association’s research has found that somewhere in the vicinity of 40% of people who are 85 years of age and up are Alzheimer’s sufferers.
Alzheimer’s carries a litany of problems along with it, and one of them is dementia. Individuals who have contracted dementia are going to have a hard time grasping concepts. As a result they find it difficult to make sound decisions.
If you were to be in this position without taking any legal steps in advance a court-appointed guardian could wind up handling your affairs and you could in fact become a ward of the state.
Given the ubiquity of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of incapacity it is wise to be proactive about planning ahead for the possibility in advance. This is generally done through the execution of durable powers of attorney. Incapacity contingencies can also be addressed while creating a living trust.
If you do not currently have an incapacity plan in place, right now would be a good time to set up an appointment with a seasoned and savvy Willoughby OH estate planning lawyer.
Experienced estate planning attorneys Cleveland OH of The O’Brien Law Firm LLC offers estate planning and business planning resources to residents of Cleveland OH. To learn more about these free resources, please visit http://www.obrienlaw.net today.
