At Axis Estate Planning, we understand how life changes when Alzheimer’s disease enters the picture. Whether you’ve received a diagnosis yourself or are caring for a loved one, the emotional and practical challenges are immense. Among the most critical steps you can take is putting a solid estate plan in place.
Estate planning isn’t just recommended in this situation — it becomes essential to safeguard autonomy, assets, and dignity.
Why Timing Matters
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and hasn’t yet created vital estate planning documents — such as a will, durable powers of attorney, or advance directives — the time to act is now.
Legal capacity — the ability to understand what you’re signing, the consequences of those decisions, and to express your wishes freely — is central to this process. While most individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s retain capacity, the disease is progressive. Waiting too long can mean losing the ability to make legally binding choices.
Essential Legal Tools for Alzheimer’s Planning
An effective estate plan should include:
- Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
Allows trusted agents to manage financial matters when it’s no longer safe or practical to do so independently. - Health Care Power of Attorney (Health Care Proxy)
Authorizes someone you trust to make medical decisions that align with your values and preferences. - Living Will
Outlines your wishes for life-sustaining treatment, feeding interventions, resuscitation, and comfort care. - Dementia-Specific Advance Directive
Provides guidance for your care preferences across different stages of Alzheimer’s, ensuring your voice is honored even as the disease progresses. - Last Will and Testament and/or Revocable Trust
Directs how your assets will be distributed, while appointing executors or trustees to carry out your intentions.
What Happens Without a Plan
If these documents aren’t in place — or if there’s confusion about what was intended — families may need to pursue guardianship or conservatorship. This requires going to court for someone to be appointed to make decisions on your behalf. While sometimes necessary, it often comes with higher costs, court oversight, and a loss of personal control.
How Axis Estate Planning Can Help
Our team guides families through every step of this process:
- Protecting assets from the high costs of long-term care.
- Drafting or updating advance directives that reflect your wishes.
- Helping you choose and empower trusted agents.
- Considering guardianship only when absolutely necessary.
- Ensuring your plan meets all Michigan legal requirements.
The Real Goal: Dignity and Peace of Mind
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s brings uncertainty — but it doesn’t have to bring chaos. With the right estate plan, you and your family can protect what matters most: your choices, your independence, and your peace of mind.
Axis Estate Planning is here to support you every step of the way.
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
