JOAN’S BLOG – WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2007 – FINANCES!

This topic was prompted by e-mails I have received, one in particular from a very young spouse (42), whose 55 year-old husband was recently diagnosed with AD.

The subject is complex; I am no money expert except in knowing how to make it .

The following financial aspects appear to be the main concern of those of us with AD afflicted spouses:

• Protecting our assets from being eaten up by nursing home care
• Paying for long term care
• Paying for Day Care and Respite services
• Money for our spouse’s care in the event of our death
• Applying for Social Security Disability for the AD spouse
• Paying the bills NOW.

I have given this advice in e-mails, on the Message Boards, and in Blogs, but it is still the first line of defense – CONTACT A CERTIFIED ELDER LAW ATTORNEY ASAP.  They know the laws in your state, and can set up all of your finances so your spouse and your children are protected in the event of your death. They will explain everything you need to know concerning wills; living wills; powers of attorney; health care proxies; trusts; paying for long-term care; whatever you need that is unique to your situation.

CALL YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE if you are interested in Social Security Disability – the entire application process can be done over the phone – I know because I did it.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER OF THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION concerning Day Care and Respite services that are available as well as assistance in paying for them. Make sure you talk to someone in your area, not someone in a national calling center.

The most comprehensive information I have found related to finances can be found by clicking this link-   http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_financial_matters.asp#6

Finally, the question of how to pay the bills NOW, when you are faced with caring for your spouse 24/7, and many of you younger spouses add caring for children into the equation. I would surely welcome an answer to that question. It is an issue I am struggling with. I am unable to commit to an outside job, because between the Alzheimer’s Disease, the diabetes, and a host of other medical problems, not only can I not leave my husband alone for more than a couple of hours at a time, every other week, there is a medical emergency  that needs to be addressed. Currently, I leave the house to tutor a couple of nights a week, but I am trying to get clients in the neighborhood who can come to my house, so I do not have to leave. All the while, trying to figure out how to make a living from writing, which not only is my passion, but I would not have to leave the house to do it.

Does anyone have advice for us on how to handle a job and care for an AD spouse? How to manage finances? I welcome your input and answers to the questions posed in this segment. MESSAGE BOARD TOPIC - FINANCES!

UPCOMING TOPICS
An Alzheimer Spouse AND Young Children at Home
Alzheimer’s and medical problems – double whammy
Give me some breathing room!!

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