In a long-term care crisis?
In a long-term care crisis?
An Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis changes everything — not just for the person diagnosed, but for the whole family suddenly facing decisions about care, finances, and the future. The good news is that early planning, done while your loved one still has legal capacity, can protect both their wishes and their assets.
In the early stages of dementia, a person often has sufficient capacity during lucid periods to understand and sign key legal documents — most importantly, a durable power of attorney. Waiting too long can close that window entirely, forcing families into a court-supervised guardianship process instead of a simple, private planning conversation.
A properly drafted power of attorney allows your loved one to appoint an agent — someone they trust — to make financial decisions once they’re no longer able to do so themselves. Done early enough, this single document can:
Skilled nursing care in Pennsylvania averages well over $110,000 per year, and costs like that can deplete a lifetime of savings quickly. If a loved one is already in a nursing home, or is likely to need that level of care soon, proper planning can help ensure they receive the care they need while protecting assets under Pennsylvania’s Medicaid law.
Families navigating a dementia diagnosis often need more than legal help — they need practical support too. Pennsylvania’s Area Agencies on Aging offer services in every county, including:
The Alzheimer’s Association also operates a 24-hour helpline and connects families with local support groups, care planning assistance, and education for families of the newly diagnosed.
We help Pennsylvania families of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients address legal issues and protect assets, with sensitivity to the particular needs of both patients and their families. Whether you’re just starting to plan or a loved one is already in care, contact Sechler Law Firm to discuss your family’s situation.
