Latest & Greatest - Don’t Let Dementia Steal Everything: Avoid Mistakes, Save Money, and Take Control

By Kerry Peck and Rick L. Law

Published by American Bar Association. Senior Lawyers Division.

KF 3803 .D46 P43 2018

Photo Credit: Helen Hartman

Alzheimer’s disease is downright terrifying. Sadly, millions (yes, millions) of people are dealing with the physical and mental consequences of this disease every day. Because much of the focus surrounding this illness is on the physical symptoms that ravage its victims, there is a tendency to overlook the legal consequences that are all too real. To assist with an understanding of some of the legal issues faced by those suffering from dementia, attorneys Kerry Peck and Rick L. Law have written Don’t Let Dementia Steal Everything: Avoid Mistakes, Save Money, and Take Control, a guide to help one understand the issues associated with the diagnosis and find some answers and the right legal advice. 

The preliminary chapters describe briefly some of the issues to consider when someone receives a diagnosis of dementia. There is a general discussion of Alzheimer’s disease and its course and progression and a discussion of how to find an attorney who understands the specific issues of dementia. The succeeding chapters focus on some of those specific issues, such as advance directives, Medicare and nursing home Medicaid, nursing home contracts, guardianship, and at-home caregiving. The authors have also included a chapter addressing financial exploitation from scammers and family members. The to-do checklists in the chapters are especially useful. 

Don’t Let Dementia Steal Everything: Avoid Mistakes, Save Money, and Take Control is a great resource for those seeking assistance and guidance with taking care of the legal issues for those suffering from dementia.