Legal and financial issues for dementia patients

<p>Sushma Chawla</p>

Legal and financial issues for dementia patients

Sushma Chawla

Hope Ek A.S.H.A., India

: Int J Ment Health Psychiatry

Abstract

Caring for a family member with Dementia poses many challenges for caregivers. Family members are unprepared when dealing with a loved one with Dementia. Overwhelmed with emotions such as denial,anger and helplessness, legal and financial issues are often neglected but these are very important and need to be addressed at the earliest. Especially for a disease that is expected to cause declining mental, physical health. The changes will affect their ability to make decisions and participate in legal and financial planning in future.These issues are overlooked due to Lack of awareness regarding its importance, Postponing it to some other suitable time, If the patient is your parent and you have one or more siblings, it’s the fear of blame game and stigma. As soon as the diagnosis is established, families of people with dementia can be helped by addressing tough questions such as: Money (Bank accounts, Pension, Thumb Impressions, Lockers, Shares and Mutual funds Property), HUF- Hindu undivided family, the mandate has to be transferred, Power of Attorney / Legal Guardian, Valid Will, No Investments after the diagnosis established, These financial and legal issues should be dealt at the first sign of Dementia. Take the help of attorneys ,Confide in a family member and discuss it among your siblings without any fear. It is an important part of caring for your beloved one.