Every September 21st, we recognize World Alzheimer’s Day—a time to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and the challenges families face when a loved one is diagnosed.
Alzheimer’s isn’t only a medical diagnosis—it’s a legal, financial, and emotional challenge that impacts the entire household. Understanding what lies ahead and preparing early can make the difference between hardship and dignity.
The Scope of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in 2024.
- Alzheimer’s is the fifth-leading cause of death among Americans age 65 and older.
- By 2060, the number of people in the U.S. with dementia is projected to reach 14 million.
- In Indiana alone, approximately 110,000 people are currently living with Alzheimer’s, with over 217,000 caregivers providing unpaid care to loved ones.
(Source: Alzheimer’s Association, 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures)
These numbers show just how many families are touched by dementia—and how important it is to plan early for care.
The Cost of Alzheimer’s on Families
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming—emotionally and financially. Families often face:
- In-home care costs. Hiring help to provide daily support can cost thousands each month.
- Long-term care facilities. Memory care in assisted living or nursing homes is one of the most expensive forms of elder care.
- Family caregiving burdens. Many spouses and adult children step in to provide unpaid care, often at the expense of their own health, jobs, and finances.
Without proper planning, these costs can drain a lifetime of savings and create unnecessary stress for families already coping with the decline of a loved one.
How Elder Law Planning Helps Families
At Vick Law in Greenwood, Indiana, we help families prepare for the realities of Alzheimer’s and dementia with compassion and clarity. Legal planning can’t stop the disease, but it can protect your dignity, your family’s finances, and your future.
Here’s how we can help:
If a loved one is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, it’s not too late to create legal documents that appoint trusted decision-makers for finances and medical care.
2. Medicaid Planning and Asset Protection
Long-term care can cost more than $90,000 per year. A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) and other strategies can help preserve the family home and savings while qualifying for Medicaid benefits.
3. Estate Planning for Peace of Mind
A revocable living trust, updated wills, and clear beneficiary designations ensure that loved ones are cared for and family disputes are minimized.
4. Support for Caregivers
We also guide families through options for in-home care, community resources, and financial assistance—because caregivers need help, too.
It’s Never Too Early—or Too Late—to Plan
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, there is still time to protect your family’s future. The earlier you act, the more options you’ll have. But even after diagnosis, legal tools are available to help secure care and preserve dignity.
At Vick Law, 3209 W. Smith Valley Rd., Suite 113, Greenwood, IN 46142, our mission is to help families face Alzheimer’s with a plan. With the right legal and financial steps, you can focus on what matters most: spending meaningful time together.
Call us today at 317-884-3133 or book a time online to schedule a consultation and begin planning for the future with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Alzheimer’s affects millions of Americans, including thousands of families in Indiana.
- The cost of care can overwhelm families without proper planning.
- Legal tools like powers of attorney, trusts, and Medicaid planning protect assets and provide peace of mind.
- It’s never too late to put a plan in place—acting now helps preserve dignity and security.
References: Alzheimer’s Association. 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimer’s Dementia. 2024;20(3). https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
