It can be devastating to realize that your loved one is suffering from dementia, but it can also be difficult to determine when the symptoms have grown to the level that you may need outside medical help. This also has important implications for whether or not estate planning can still be done. Set aside a time to work with an experienced and knowledgeable estate planning lawyer if you believe that your loved one is showing early signs of dementia.
The important steps you take now to protect yourself and their interests can serve as a solid foundation going forward. The early signs of a dementia diagnosis are vague and may not be immediately obvious. They may often be written off because they occur irregularly, increasing confusion, memory issues, loss of ability to do everyday tasks, depression, withdrawal/apathy, or behavior and personality changes are all some of the early indications of dementia.
Those who get distracted with tasks and may forget to serve part of a meal or to finish a task indicate difficulty with following through on all steps involved in that task. Disorientation, language problems, and changes in abstract thinking are other indications that a loved one may be suffering from dementia.
If these signs and symptoms are becoming more frequent or getting worse, you should consult with a lawyer who knows the lay of the land and who can help you figure out whether a nursing home and Medicaid paying for it are things to consider right now.
This makes it important to retain an experienced estate planning lawyer now to give yourself and your loved one the best possible chance to create an estate plan. Contact a NJ estate planning attorney now for more information.