Legal and Financial Information
Typically, there are many concerns surrounding the legal and financial
issues of the person with dementia. While it might not appear to
be the most pressing matter, it is important to talk with family
members and make legal and financial arrangements. Families often
require assistance in making the many decisions required to ensure
proper care and quality of life for the patient with dementia.
Oftentimes there are decisions to be made about health care, finances,
property management, living arrangements, etc. Consulting with a
lawyer who has specialized in elder care issues can be very helpful
in sorting out all of the potential complications that may result
from these types of decisions. There are generally many questions
regarding Power of Attorney.
What is a Power of Attorney?
“Power of Attorney” refers to the legal delegation of
decision-making authority to an agent. A power of attorney is strongly
recommended for two specific domains, property and health.
The Illinois Department on Aging defines power of attorney as:
Power of Attorney for Property: The Power of Attorney for
Property document allows a person, called the principle, to delegate
to another person, called the agent (a trusted friend or family
member), the power to make decisions regarding assets, finances,
bank accounts, and other types of property. The agent, who does
not need to be an attorney, will speak for the principal and make
decisions according to the principal's wishes even when the principal
is physically or mentally incapacitated.
Power of Attorney for Health Care: A Power of Attorney for
Health Care document allows a person, called the principal, to delegate
to another person called the agent (a trusted friend or family member),
the power to make decisions regarding health care decisions the
principal is unable to make. The document may be used instead of
or with a Living Will. The agent, who does not need to be an attorney,
will speak for the principal and make decisions according to the
principal's wishes even when the principal is physically or mentally
incapacitated.
For further information regarding Power of Attorney, the Illinois
Department on Aging provides complimentary copies of informational
packets on Power of Attorney for Property, Power of Attorney for
Health Care, and Living Will. They can be reached by phone at 1-800-252-8966
or by visiting their web site at www.state.il.us/aging.
For further information on power of attorney in your state contact
Eldercare locator www.eldercare.gov
or (National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys) www.naela.org.
Important Numbers for Legal Information
Related Information
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