Important Safety Information  |  Prescribing Information  |  Healthcare Professionals Text size: A | A | A

Once-A-Day Aricept® (donepezil HCl)

Studies showed ARICEPT
slows the progression
of Alzheimer's symptoms.
It improves cognition and
slows the decline of
overall function.

Legal & Financial Concerns

If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, you may want to plan for the future. You should start as early as possible. This way, your loved one may be able to take part in some of your family's discussions about the future.

Some caregivers may need to make plans that involve finances. Legal issues may also need to be addressed. These are complex issues, and laws are not the same from state to state. If you need to make such plans, it may help to seek advice from a lawyer and a financial planner with expertise in these matters.

Legal Concerns
As a caregiver, you should think about obtaining the following legal documents:
  • Durable Legal/Medical Power of Attorney: allows you to make legal or healthcare choices for your loved one when they no longer can
  • Living Will/Advance Directive: allows your loved one to express wishes about medical treatment before they become unable to communicate these wishes
  • Will: records your loved one's decisions about what happens to property (estate) inheritance
You may decide to talk to a lawyer about these documents. If you do, be sure to find one with expertise in elder law. This branch of law focuses on the needs of older people. A lawyer with expertise in estates and trusts may also be helpful.
Financial Issues
You may also need to make plans for your loved one's financial future. As care needs increase, expenses may increase as well. Here are some issues you may need to consider when planning for the future:
  • Personal income — joint checking and savings accounts, expenses
  • Pension or retirement funds — penalties for early withdrawal, payment schedule
  • Social Security — benefits, eligibility, payment schedule
  • Healthcare insurance — coverage, medical benefits, prescription plan
  • Medicaid — a program that pays for medical assistance for certain people and families with low incomes and resources
  • Medicare — a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older

Note: If your loved one had prescription drug coverage through Medicare, their benefits may have changed. If your loved one's resources are limited, they may be able to get extra help from Medicaid. It may also mean lower co-pays.

This Web site and the information contained herein is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice about matters discussed. This Web site is for providing general helpful information to members of the public who may need to seek the assistance of a licensed attorney for any legal or eldercare advice.
Learn how to cope with long-distance caregiving

Use this quick guide to find out if the changes you're seeing could be Alzheimer's.
seeing signs - get started