Health Directive for Dementia

Healthcare documents such as, the Advance Health Care Directive, Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information (“HIPAA Authorization”) and Living Will are an essential part of any estate plan.  The Advance Health Care Directive allows your appointed agent to make health care decisions on your behalf if you are unable.  The HIPAA Authorization allows authorized individuals to access your health care documents.  The Living Will is an optional document that provides that life-prolonging procedures be withheld or withdrawn if you are in an irreversible and terminal condition.   

However, now there is a new health directive specifically designed to address dementia or Alzheimer’s! This new directive allows for clients to express their wishes and give guidance to their loved ones with regard to their future care should they develop dementia or Alzheimer’s. 

Over the years, we have seen many families struggle with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other mental illnesses.  Family and loved ones assisting the incapacitated individual often struggle with difficult decisions such as living arrangements, medical treatment and overall quality of care.  Family members often question if they are making the right choices for their loved one… “Is this what they would have wanted?” 

This directive allows you to express your wishes at each stage of dementia, now, while you are healthy and able to articulate your wishes.  There are 3 sets of questions that ask about your wishes if you develop: mild, moderate, and severe dementia.

This new health directive for dementia is a wonderful and powerful tool that can assist your family and loved ones with making tough decisions regarding your care and treatment.  For many people, they may experience dementia related symptoms anywhere from 5 to 20 years.  During this time, your family will want your guidance. 

While we may not be able to control our mental health or future, we can provide some guidance to our loved ones who will be caring for us.  Tell them what you would like now so they are not left second guessing in the future. 

If you would like a Health Care Directive for Dementia to be included in your estate plan, I see people Monday – Friday for a FREE 30 minute consultation in Walnut Creek and Brentwood.

This article provides only general legal information, and not specific legal advice.  Information contained is not a substitute for a personal consultation with an attorney.  LAW OFFICE OF JOAN M. GRIMES, PHONE (925) 939-1680   1600 S. Main Street, Suite 100, Walnut Creek, CA  94513     © 2018 Joan Grimes