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Dealing With Cognitive Impairments As Part Of Clearwater Estate Planning

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Most of us know at least one person who struggles with cognitive impairments, or we may be the one who shows increasing confusion and other signs that something is amiss. In either case, it is important to acknowledge the condition, put the proper protections in place, and plan for the future.

Our Clearwater estate planning attorney has extensive experience helping clients facing this difficult situation, providing the caring support and trusted legal guidance needed. The following explains important documents when dealing with cognitive impairments in yourself or those you love.

Cognitive Declines Can Happen Due To A Variety Of Conditions

Cognitive declines can occur as people age. They can also occur due to various illnesses, injuries, and chronic health conditions, causing memory loss, problems communicating or processing thoughts, and other symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common conditions that causes cognitive impairments. According to the National Institutes of Health, close to six million people throughout the United States are afflicted with it. Other disorders that can lead to cognitive decline include:

  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Huntingdon disease;
  • Lewy body disease;
  • Multiple sclerosis;
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
  • Depression;
  • High blood pressure;
  • High cholesterol;
  • Strokes;
  • Head and brain injuries.

In addition to injuries, illnesses, and chronic health conditions, cognitive declines can also happen due to hormonal imbalances, excessive alcohol use, and the side effects of certain drugs or medications.

Estate Planning Documents To Protect Against Cognitive Impairments

Acknowledging cognitive impairments is difficult, whether they affect you or someone else. However, talking about them is the first step in accepting the situation and preparing for what could become a serious issue in the future.

Most people pride themselves on their independence and ability to make decisions for themselves. When dealing with cognitive disorders, this is something to address. Having the appropriate estate planning documents can help prevent guardianship, in which loved ones are forced to prove to the Pinellas County Court that you are no longer in full use of your faculties. These documents should include:

  • A will, detailing all property and assets and designating beneficiaries;
  • A trust, which can help you in qualifying for Medicaid benefits, offsetting the high cost of any future long-term care needed;
  • Powers of attorney, authorizing someone you trust to make important decisions about money and property on your behalf if you are unable to;
  • A healthcare power of attorney, authorizing someone you trust to make important healthcare decisions on your behalf;
  • A living will and other advance directives, which detail your wishes regarding medical care if you are incapacitated and unable to communicate them yourself.

Contact Our Office And Request A Consultation With Our Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney

Cognitive impairments can result from age, injuries, illnesses, or chronic health conditions. Clearwater estate planning attorney William Rambaum, PGA Law has over 40 years of experience providing caring support and the trusted legal guidance clients need to prepare for the future and put the appropriate documents in place. Call or contact us online and request a consultation today.

Sources:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559052/

jud6.org/ContactInformation/Probate&Guardianship.html

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