Cleveland, Ohio Elder Law Attorneys > Our Practice > The Alzheimer's Survival Guide

Dear Friend,

I know you're worried.

You have a loved one who's showing signs of memory loss and you're concerned that it might be Alzheimer's Disease...or perhaps your loved one has already been diagnosed.

In either case, you're concerned about getting them good care and wondering where you'll find the strength to carry on throughout the course of a disease that can sometimes last for 10 or even 20 years.

And when you think about the cost...you begin to worry if you might lose everything to Alzheimer's.

"What Steps Should I Be Taking Right Now?"

Of course, it’s important that you talk to your doctor as soon as your loved one starts to show signs of memory loss.

And even though you may be fearing the worst...that it’s Alzheimer’s disease...there are any number of less serious reasons why someone might be experiencing memory loss. Not all of them are related to Alzheimer’s...but some of them have very similar symptoms.

Often something as simple as a vitamin B deficiency or thyroid problems or depression can cause symptoms that look like Alzheimer’s. And frequently that “non-Alzheimer’s memory loss” can be treated if caught early.

And even if it is Alzheimer’s Disease, there are drugs like Aricept or Namenda or others which, in many cases, can slow down the progress of the disease.

The place to start would be with your family physician or an internist. From there, depending upon the results, the doctor may suggest that you see a neurologist (someone who specializes in Alzheimer’s and memory loss as well as other related disease).

But even if the medical side of things is being handled, there are several crucial steps on the legal and financial side of things which you should consider immediately. That’s because the cost of care for someone with Alzheimer’s is incredibly expensive. Studies show that the cost of care averages more than $174,000 for an Alzheimer’s patient over his or her lifetime.

And while that may sound outrageous...when you consider that the cost of adult daycare is often $50 per day or more...or that the cost for an Alzheimer’s assisted living facility in our area averages nearly $3,000 per month...or that the cost of an Alzheimer’s nursing home in our area is typically more than $5,000 per month and you quickly realize that the $174,000 lifetime figure may be low!

Fortunately, there are often programs available to help you if you act now and plan ahead.

The first step is to consult with an attorney who works with Alzheimer’s clients.

It’s critical that you and your loved ones have a chance to put the proper planning in place while there is still time. The simple fact is that none of us knows how much time we have on this earth. When Alzheimer’s or memory loss is part of the equation, however, life becomes more complicated.

That’s because you may “know” exactly what your spouse or loved one would want. But if those wishes have not somehow been put down in writing, then the law may not recognize your supposed “knowledge.” In legal-speak, it’s considered heresay and has no legal merit.

Information is Power

While the consequences of Alzheimer's can be stunning, it is important to remember that there is good information available to you and your family.

Our firm has helped hundreds of families in Ohio, and we have prepared a FREE "Alzheimer's Survival Guide" e-book that addresses some of the most common, real-world issues faced by people like you...it's full of answers to questions that we hear on a daily basis.

Because everyone's situation is unique, you'll also receive a certificate for a FREE 30 minute consultation with a qualified Elder Law professional as a special bonus. We'll be happy to answer any questions that you may have about your situation and the steps that you should be taking.

I strongly encourage you to fill out the form below to receive instant FREE access to The Alzheimer's Survival Guide. It explains some of the strategies that smart families are using to protect their loved ones right now.

Warmly,

Paul J. Stano
Attorney at Law

P.S. Making informed decisions may become difficult or even impossible over time. The longer you wait, the greater the risk becomes. But with proper planning, you will ensure that you've taken the best steps possible to protect your loved ones and your family's financial security. Do it now before it's too late!