Alzheimer's Care Options and Preparing for What Lies Ahead

Once competence has been lost, it is too late to make personal choices regarding Alzheimer's care, or to determine how best to prepare financially for the enormous and growing costs associated with long-term care.

Obviously, the time to discuss end of life decision making with your aging parents is now. They may never develop Alzheimer's, but they should anticipate health related issues to surface as they age.

Do they have private long-term Health Insurance?

If so, what are the limits of the policy and the specific provisions and exclusions?

Do you know how much Medicare will pay for in home care visits?

Do your parent's own assets and do you know the financial guidelines and consequences for institutional care under a government run program?

Have you considered weighing the costs and benefits between Alzheimer's care in an Adult family Home with those of a CBRF and or of a Nursing Home?

Have you spoken with your parents about their wishes regarding the type of care they would receive if needed?

If you are considering the possibility of caring for one or both of your parents yourself, do you understand the specific challenges associated with Alzheimer'?

Do you Understand the progression if this disease and the milestones you will encounter with your loved one?

Do you have siblings, and have you discussed with them and with your parents who in the family is best positioned and capable to provide in home care for a prolonged period?