Planning with Compassion: How Estate Planning Supports Families Facing Alzheimer’s
Each year on September 21st, World Alzheimer’s Day brings awareness to a disease that affects millions of individuals and families across the globe. For many, Alzheimer’s is not just a medical diagnosis—it’s a journey that reshapes family roles, finances, and futures.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we meet families who are navigating these challenges every day. While we cannot control the course of the disease, we can prepare for it with thoughtful legal planning. Estate planning offers tools that preserve dignity, protect assets, and bring peace of mind to families walking through the uncertainty of Alzheimer’s.
The Impact of Alzheimer’s on Families
Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect memory—it touches every part of life. Spouses may become caregivers, adult children may need to step in to manage finances, and family members often face difficult medical decisions. Alongside the emotional toll, the financial cost of care in Washington State can be staggering, averaging more than $12,000 per month for long-term care.
Without a plan in place, these challenges can leave families overwhelmed and vulnerable.
Why Planning Early Matters
One of the most important truths about Alzheimer’s is that timing matters. A diagnosis doesn’t automatically take away someone’s legal capacity to make decisions. In the early stages, many people can still communicate their wishes clearly and participate fully in estate planning.
Starting the planning process early allows families to:
- Document care preferences while the person can still express them
- Choose trusted individuals to act on their behalf
Protect financial resources from being depleted unnecessarily
Essential Documents Every Family Should Have
When Alzheimer’s is part of the picture, certain documents become especially critical:
- Financial Power of Attorney – Appoints a trusted agent to manage finances, pay bills, and make financial decisions. It also can authorize someone to implement any asset protection planning available.
- Health Care Power of Attorney & Health Care Directive – Ensures medical wishes are honored and designates who will speak for you when you cannot.
- Will or Revocable Living Trust – Provides clear instructions on how assets should be managed and distributed, avoiding unnecessary legal disputes.
HIPAA Authorization – Allows family members or trusted agents to access medical information needed for caregiving.
Protecting Assets from Long-Term Care Costs
Long-term care is one of the greatest financial threats families face when Alzheimer’s is diagnosed. Without planning, savings and property may be quickly consumed by care costs.
Proactive Medicaid and long-term care planning can:
- Preserve the family home and other key assets
- Ensure the healthy spouse at home isn’t left financially vulnerable
- Provide options for quality care without draining every resource
The earlier these steps are taken, the more options families have.
Planning Brings Peace of Mind
Alzheimer’s brings uncertainty, but estate planning provides clarity. It reduces conflict, prevents costly court involvement, and empowers families to focus on what matters most: caring for their loved one.
By having the right documents in place, families can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time sharing meaningful moments together.
Take Action This Alzheimer’s Awareness Day
World Alzheimer’s Day is a reminder that while we cannot predict the future, we can prepare for it. If you or someone you love has been impacted by Alzheimer’s—or if you simply want to plan ahead—now is the time to act.
At Pettis Webber Pacific, we guide families through these decisions with compassion, clarity, and experience. Together, we can build a plan that protects your loved ones, preserves your assets, and provides peace of mind for the journey ahead.
Click here to schedule a consultation with our team.
P.S. Please share this article with friends or family who may be facing Alzheimer’s. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give is the reminder that they don’t have to go through it alone.