Events around the Tri-States

Upcoming Events at the
James Kennedy Public Library
​in Dyersville: October 2020

​No events submitted.

Library programs are free unless otherwise noted. For information on these and other library programs please call 563-875-8912 or go to www.dyersville.lib.ia.us 
or contact Dawn Schrandt via email at dschrandt@dyersville.lib.ia.us

Life After A Dementia Diagnosis
by Thad J. Murphy, 
​ Attorney with Pearson Bollman Law

Thad J. Murphy of Pearson Bollman Law

Many people diagnosed with dementia and/or their loved ones are at a loss as to how to plan for their future. We suggest the following steps: 

1. Begin to understand the diagnosis, prognosis, and the common stages and behaviors. Attend medical appointments and ask questions. Seek information from reputable sources, such as Dementia Action Alliance and the Alzheimer’s Association. Connect with others in similar situations via support groups and educational programs. Know there are plentiful resources available.

2. Assemble family members and discuss how to proceed with care planning. It is important to be unified as a family in order to best meet the needs of your loved one with dementia. 

3. Appoint a primary agent authorized to make health care and financial decisions for the family member with dementia. Appoint a contingent agent who will be able to make those decisions if the primary agent is unable or unwilling. An experienced elder law attorney can assist in ensuring these crucial documents are properly completed and executed.

4. Explore options for long-term care. In the beginning stages of dementia, in-home respite or companion care, home health services, and adult day cares may provide for your loved one’s care needs. Care needs tend to increase as the disease progresses and facility care may become necessary. 

5. Consider how long-term care will be financed. Assess the family’s ability to pay and whether the person diagnosed has long-term care insurance. Prepare yourself for the possibility that Medicaid will be necessary. An experienced elder law attorney can assess your family’s personal circumstances and potentially strategize a plan to preserve as many assets as possible if planning for Medicaid eligibility. 

A dementia diagnosis can feel scary and unpredictable, both for the person diagnosed and his or her loved ones. Through open discussion and proper planning with an experienced elder law attorney, some of the sadness and fear surrounding this diagnosis can be alleviated. 

Thad J. Murphy is an attorney in the Dubuque office of Pearson Bollman Law, located at 1635 Associates Drive, Suite 103, Dubuque. The attorneys at Pearson Bollman Law practice in the areas of estate planning, probate/trust administration, special needs trusts, and elder law, which includes Medicaid and VA Pension Planning. If you have any questions or would like to register for one of our free workshops on estate planning, asset protection and elder law, please feel free to contact Thad Murphy at (563) 265-6971 or visit pearsonbollmanlaw.com and select “Events”. 

In these uncertain times, it is now more important than ever to have an estate plan that gives you and your family peace of mind. We are continuing to serve our clients by video conferencing or telephone meetings. In person meetings are not required.

Previous Page     -     Next Page