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Dementia guide

Legal & money planning

The documents and decisions to settle early, while everyone can take part.

After a diagnosis, legal and financial planning is one of the kindest things a person can do — for themselves and their family. The key is to act early, while the person can still understand and sign documents and share their wishes.

The core documents

Durable power of attorney for finances

Names someone to manage money, bills and property if you can't. “Durable” means it stays valid after you lose the ability to decide.

Health care power of attorney (health care proxy)

Names someone to make medical decisions for you when you can't.

Advance directive / living will

Records what treatment you would and wouldn't want — for example, feeding tubes, hospital stays, or resuscitation late in the illness.

Will (and possibly a trust)

Says how property will be handled. A trust can make managing assets easier.

HIPAA release

Lets doctors share information with named family members.

POLST or MOLST form (later)

A medical order, completed with a doctor, that turns treatment wishes into instructions for emergency and hospital staff.

Rules differ by state. An elder law attorney can prepare these; some legal aid programs help older adults for free or at low cost — ask the Eldercare Locator.

Money matters

  • Gather information in one place: bank and retirement accounts, insurance, debts, deeds, passwords, and monthly bills.
  • Watch for early money mistakes — missed bills, unusual purchases, or gifts to strangers can be among the first signs.
  • Protect against scams. People with memory changes are frequent targets. Consider call blocking, account alerts, and a trusted person with view-only access to accounts.
  • Understand what pays for long-term care. Medicare does not pay for long-term personal or custodial care. Options include savings, long-term care insurance, Medicaid (with strict income and asset rules), and VA benefits such as Aid and Attendance.
  • Younger than 65? Look into SSDI — see young-onset dementia.

A family conversation guide

  1. What matters most to you as things change?
  2. Who do you trust to make money decisions? Health decisions?
  3. Where would you want to live if you need more help?
  4. What would you want — and not want — near the end of life?
  5. How should we decide about driving?

Write down the answers, and share them with everyone who might be involved.

Sources

Reviewed September 2026. Education only — not medical, legal or financial advice.