Preserving Family Wealth…for Generations

Call To Schedule A Free Appointment 210-985-2741

  • Home
  • About Us
    • James N. Voeller, Esq.
    • Rebecca (Becky) L. Jaroszewski, Esq.
    • Rebekah Meeks Schement, Esq.
    • David G. Voeller (In-Memoriam)
    • Angela A. Schroeder
    • Marisa Falcon Lee
    • Lavonne Clark
    • Emily Voeller
  • Practice Areas
    • Estate Planning Components
    • Probate & Estate Administration
    • Asset Protection
    • Business Planning
    • Elder Law
  • Become A Client
    • Client Questionnaire
    • View Our Resources Center; Articles from The Voeller Law Firm
    • FAQs
  • Testimonials
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • E-book
    • Video Library
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About Us
    • James N. Voeller, Esq.
    • Rebecca (Becky) L. Jaroszewski, Esq.
    • Rebekah Meeks Schement, Esq.
    • David G. Voeller (In-Memoriam)
    • Angela A. Schroeder
    • Marisa Falcon Lee
    • Lavonne Clark
    • Emily Voeller
  • Practice Areas
    • Estate Planning Components
    • Probate & Estate Administration
    • Asset Protection
    • Business Planning
    • Elder Law
  • Become A Client
    • Client Questionnaire
    • View Our Resources Center; Articles from The Voeller Law Firm
    • FAQs
  • Testimonials
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • E-book
    • Video Library
  • Contact

 210-985-2741

Serving The People Of San Antonio For More Than 40 Years
  1. Home
  2.  — 
  3. Elder Law
  4.  — 
  5. Life After A Dementia Diagnosis
Attorney James N. Voeller, Rebecca L. Jaroszewski and Rebekah Meeks Schement

Life After A Dementia Diagnosis

The Voeller Law Firm | Jul 19, 2018 | Elder Law

Many elderly people who are diagnosed with dementia are unprepared for future care. Once this type of diagnosis is received, preparing for the future can no longer be avoided. If you or someone you love has received a dementia diagnosis, begin immediately to discuss and seek guidance for future care. For help in implementing the steps that need to be taken and for developing a plan, seek the guidance of an elder law attorney.

1. First, take steps to understand the diagnosis. When your elderly loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, be sure to learn as much as possible about the diagnosis and how it will affect the life of your loved one and all those involved. Be sure to go to appointments with the doctors who are testing and diagnosing. Make a list of questions to ask and get input on the long-term care needs of your loved one who has received the dementia diagnosis. If the doctors cannot completely answer all of your concerns, seek resources from reputable sources, such as Dementia Action Alliance. Having this understanding can help with legally planning for your loved one’s care.

2. Next, assemble family members and discuss how to proceed with care planning. It is important to be unified as a family in order to best meet the needs of your loved one with

dementia. It is important to communicate clearly and to get input from all interested parties. This includes listening to the wishes of your loved one. During this process, look to present and future needs. Make plans together for how these care needs are going to be met. Remember to be patient with other family members. This type of diagnosis affects everyone differently.

3. Then, get legal and financial plans in place. Deciding on a person who will be authorized to make health care and financial decisions for the dementia patient is one major part of the plan. In addition, plans for how long-term care will be executed and paid for should be put into place. This is where an elder law attorney can be beneficial. The attorney can assess resources, find the best pay to pay for long term care, and help the family to get all the necessary documents in place. A healthcare power of attorney is the person who will make health care decisions when your loved one is no longer capable. A financial power of attorney is another document that is necessary. The agent named in the financial power of attorney will be able to execute financial affairs of your loved one with dementia.

4. Finally, understand and explore options for long-term care. This can be done through web searches and by meeting with agencies who specialize in dementia care. Care needs can change over time. In the beginning stages of dementia, in-home respite or companion care, home health services, and adult day cares may provide for your loved one’s care needs. However, care needs increase as the disease progresses. This is when facility care may become necessary. It is important to understand the differences between the various types of facilities and what is best for your family’s needs. Some of these facilities include nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and memory care facilities. Be prepared with an understanding of long-term care options before the time comes and your family will be able to make the best care and financial decisions for your loved one with dementia.

Once a dementia diagnosis has been given to your loved one, do not waste time in beginning to understand and prepare for the future with the diagnosis. Planning and preparations can take some of the stress from families and allow them to best support their loved one with dementia. Seek proper guidance from attorneys and organizations who have experience with planning for care of a dementia patient. Most importantly, support, love, and respect your loved one with dementia.

If you have a loved one with dementia, please give us a call to discuss how we can help.

Recent Posts

  • Understanding Revocable Trusts: Advice from a San Antonio Professional
  • The Power of Attorney: Essential Legal Tools in San Antonio
  • The Benefits of Setting Up Living Trusts in San Antonio: A Guide
  • Securing Your Legacy: Asset Protection Strategies in San Antonio
  • Protect Your Assets: Trust Attorney Services in San Antonio

Archives

Categories

RSS Feed

Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed

Reach Out Today

Office Address

19311 FM 2252
Suite 103
San Antonio, TX 78266
  San Antonio Law Office

Phone Number

210-985-2741

  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow

© 2025 The Voeller Law Firm • All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw

Review Us