When the Diagnosis is Alzheimer's, Dementia, Stroke, or Memory Loss Don't Hesitate

Grandma Ella (not her real name) is a feisty, spirited personality who has been living in her same home for the past 40 years. It is what she knows. It is where she raised her kids, and where she spent her best years with her now deceased husband. She wants to stay in her own home.

The problem isn't so much the house. The problem is Ella is no longer able to function in the house on her own. All of her kids have grown up and started their own lives. Unfortunately, Ella doesn’t really have the ability to function safely on her own, day after day. She isn’t necessarily a danger to herself at this point, but there are things that go on that make this a difficult situation.

For example, not long ago, Ella put a teakettle on the stove to make some tea and forgot that she had done so --until she returned to the kitchen much later to discover the teakettle had boiled dry and was red-hot. Sometimes Ella forgets to take her medications; at other times she forgets that she has already taken her medications and in her confusion may take double doses of her medications.

There also are issues of physical security, getting around to the pharmacy and store for medications, food and supplies, basic upkeep of the house, and a host of other day to day issues.

Ella has several children, including Frank and Joy, who are trying to grapple with Ella's situation. Frank and Joy came to me looking for an experienced Elder Law Attorney to help them to deal with this very sensitive and personal issue, not to mention the accompanying financial issues -- such as preplanning for the possibility Ella may need nursing home care at some point in the future.

As with most individuals in this situation, it is a first time experience for both Frank and Joy, as well as for Ella. Does this sound familiar?

In this case, Frank and Joy did not hesitate. They picked up the phone and called. After meeting with both of them, we were able to put together a plan, include Ella in the planning and allow her time to "get used to" the idea of not being in her home. There were a lot of emotions and issues to deal with – particularly financial concerns. But, with the expert guidance of my staff and I, Ella qualified for financial assistance to help pay for an apartment in a supportive living facility.

We also were able to help one of Ella’s grandchildren take over living in and caring for her house, giving this family’s story a truly happy ending.

To read my blog post on this article, go to http://www.habigerelderlaw.com/blog/dont-hesitate-when-the-diagnosis-is-alzheimers-dementia-stroke-memory-loss.cfm.

Habiger & Associates Elder Law Office (HAELO) provides legal services to elderly or disabled persons in Southern Illinois. The founder of the firm, Richard Habiger, is an elder law attorney with more than 30 years experience. We are an Elder Law and Life Care Planning Law Firm that provides legal and care coordination assistance, including: Medicaid planning; asset protection; estate protection; Medicaid applications; Medicaid appeals; VA pension benefits planning and applications for veterans and their surviving spouses; planning for those with Alzheimer's, dementia, or other forms of memory loss, and those who have suffered a stoke; Hospice planning; and special needs planning, including special needs trusts and supplemental needs trusts.

HAELO is located in Carbondale Illinois, and serves clients in twenty-seven Southern Illinois counties south of Interstate 70 highway. Southern Illinois Counties: Jackson County, Williamson County, Union County, Franklin County, Perry County, Saline County, Jefferson County, Hamilton County, Johnson County,  Randolph County, Wayne County, White County, Washington County, Edwards County, Monroe County, Wabash County, Richland County, Clay County, Marion County, Clinton County, Bond County, Fayette County, Effingham County, Jasper County, Crawford County, Massac County, Pulaski County, Alexander County, Pope County, Hardin County, Gallatin County, and Lawrence County.
Southern Illinois Cities & Towns: Carbondale, Murphysboro, Carterville, Herrin, Marion, Anna, Vienna, Metropolis, Harrisburg, West Frankfort, DuQuoin, Benton, Chester, Pinckneyville, Mt. Vernon, McLeansboro, Carmi, Fairfield, Nashville, Waterloo, Centralia, Salem, Albion, Mt. Carmel, Flora, Olney, Lawrenceville, Newton, Robinson, Jonesboro, Eldorado, Shawneetown, Ridgway, Sparta, Golconda, Johnston City, Marissa, Coulterville, Carlyle, Ullin, Tamms, Elizabethtown, Galatia, Wayne City, Cobden, Lake of Egypt, Goreville, Brookport, Olive Branch, Cave-in-Rock, Carrier Mills, Energy, Cambria, Zeigler, Royalton, Christopher, Rosiclare, Sesser, Okawville, Woodlawn, Thompsonville, Steeleville, Raleigh, Olmsted, Baldwin, Villa Ridge, Mounds, Tunnel Hill, Red Bud, Trenton, New Baden, Ewing, Dix, Norris City, Creal Spring, Bridge Port, Sumner, Waltonville, Breese, Aviston, Germantown, Whittington, Vandalia, and Ina.