Through a partnership with The Alzheimer’s Association of CNY, Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley will offer free educational programs to residents of St. Lawrence County on topics related to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and care-giving. This month’s topic: Legal & Financial Planning.
Many people are unprepared to deal with the legal and financial consequences of a serious illness such as Alzheimer’s disease. Legal and medical experts encourage people recently diagnosed with a serious illness—particularly one that is expected to cause declining mental and physical health—to examine and update their financial and health care arrangements as soon as possible. Basic legal and financial instruments, such as a will, a living trust, and advance directives, are available to ensure that the person’s late-stage or end-of-life health care and financial decisions are carried out.
A complication of diseases such as Alzheimer’s is that the person may lack or gradually lose the ability to think clearly. This change affects his or her ability to participate meaningfully in decision making and makes early legal and financial planning even more important. Although difficult questions often arise, advance planning can help people with Alzheimer’s and their families clarify their wishes and make well-informed decisions about health care and financial arrangements.
On March 30th, the Alzheimer’s Association will present “Legal & Financial Planning” from 1:00PM-3:00PM at the Hospice Center located on Route 11 in Potsdam. This program is intended to help those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia plan for their future. The program will offer an overview of pertinent legal documents such as wills, power of attorney, Advanced Directives, and health care proxies. They will also present information regarding financial issues and options such as Medicare, Medicaid or VA benefits.
The event is free and open to the public. Participants are asked to register for the program by calling 315-621-4025 ext.100 by March 25th.
For more information on this program and other educational opportunities, contact Nancy Vosbrink at 315-265-3105 or nvosbrink@hospiceslv.org.
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