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Home » A Vermont Guide to Handling an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

A Vermont Guide to Handling an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

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Because Alzheimer’s disease is discussed so frequently today, many assume it was only recently recognized by the medical community. In reality, however, the condition has been studied for more than 100 years. Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can bring with it a whirlwind of emotions, including fear, sadness, frustration, and uncertainty. While processing those feelings takes time, it is equally important to begin preparing for what lies ahead. Toward that end, the attorneys at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC offer a Vermont guide to handling an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately one in nine Americans over the age of 65 lives with the condition. More than six million people across the United States have been diagnosed, and experts project that the number will more than double by the year 2050. The National Institute on Aging describes Alzheimer’s as a degenerative brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, reasoning, and the ability to perform even routine activities. While a small percentage of individuals develop early-onset Alzheimer’s, most are diagnosed in their sixties or later. The disease typically progresses through seven stages, beginning silently in the brain years before symptoms appear. Ultimately, Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia in older adults and contributes to the death of roughly one in three seniors. Medical researchers continue to search for treatments that will halt or reverse the illness. Current therapies can delay progression but cannot prevent or cure it. As the population ages at record rates, planning for Alzheimer’s has become one of the most pressing concerns for families and communities across Vermont and the nation.

Taking Practical and Legal Steps After a Diagnosis

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, meaning that symptoms worsen over time and cognitive decline eventually prevents individuals from making their own decisions. For that reason, it is crucial to put legal protections in place as soon as possible after diagnosis. Acting now ensures that your wishes are respected and that your loved ones are not forced to make difficult decisions without guidance. Consider taking the following steps if you recently received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis:

  1. Review and update your estate plan. If you already have an estate plan, meet with an experienced Vermont estate planning lawyer to review it. Revising your Last Will and Testament, trusts, or other documents at this stage helps reduce the risk of disputes later. Because your mental capacity may be questioned in the future, updating your plan promptly can protect against challenges and ensure that your intentions are carried out.
  2. Sign a healthcare Power of Attorney. As Alzheimer’s progresses, there will come a time when you are unable to make medical decisions for yourself. By executing a healthcare Power of Attorney, you select a trusted person to act as your Agent and make choices about your care. This legal tool provides peace of mind that someone you have chosen, rather than a court, will oversee your medical decisions when the need arises.
  3. Create a Living Will. A Living Will allows you to document your preferences for end-of-life treatment, including artificial nutrition, hydration, or the use of life-sustaining measures. Having these directions in place spares family members from making heartbreaking choices and guarantees that healthcare providers respect your wishes.
  4. Plan for long-term care costs. In advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, round-the-clock supervision and skilled nursing care are often required. Long-term care (LTC) in Vermont is expensive, and few families can afford to pay out of pocket for an extended period of time. Discuss Medicaid planning strategies with your attorney as part of your overall estate plan. By planning ahead, you may be able to qualify for Medicaid without losing all your savings or forcing your spouse into financial hardship.
  5. Communicate openly with loved ones. Although conversations about the future may be difficult, they are essential. Talk with your spouse, children, or other close relatives about your diagnosis, your care preferences, and your financial planning efforts. Honest discussions can ease anxiety, foster understanding, and reduce the likelihood of conflicts later. Families who share information early often find the journey easier to navigate emotionally and legally.
  6. Organize important information. Collect financial records, insurance policies, medical histories, and contact information for your advisors in one secure location. Having these resources accessible will make it easier for loved ones to step in when needed.
  7. Build a support system. Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming both for the individual and for family caregivers. Explore local resources such as the Alzheimer’s Association Vermont Chapter, support groups, and respite care programs. These services can provide emotional support and practical assistance.
  8. Maintain healthy routines. While Alzheimer’s cannot be cured, a lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and social engagement may improve quality of life and slow progression.

Can We Help You with Your Vermont Estate Plan Following an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis?

For more information, please attend one of our upcoming FREE webinars. If you recently received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and would like help creating or updating your Vermont estate plan, contact an experienced Essex Junction estate planning attorney at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC by calling 802-879-7133 to schedule your appointment today.

Wendy S. Hillmuth
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