Legal Terms for the Alzheimer’s Caregiver
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, legal issues are probably the last thing on anyone’s mind. But because dementia will eventually render them unable to make financial and medical decisions, the Alzheimer’s Association urges families to begin legal planning right away.
Here are the key terms you will encounter as you prepare for the future:
Dementia patients should appoint a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA), a responsible person to act as their Agent in financial and legal matters. This legal document gives the agent the immediate authority to manage banking and investments, sell property, and more.
Advance Directives allow the Alzheimer’s patient to take an active role in their end-of-life planning. These are written documents that express their wishes related to their health care.
An important advance directive is the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPOA-HC), which names the person chosen to make decisions for your loved one when they no longer can. In Michigan, this person is known as the Patient Advocate. Michigan law also allows patient advocates to make decisions about mental health care and to donate organs upon death.
Another advance directive is a Living Will, a document that communicates a patient’s intentions about whether they should be kept on life-support. This also grants the patient advocate authority to make this decision. Michigan is one of three states that do not consider a living will legally binding, but can be useful to the patient advocate when making end-of-life decisions.
A DNR, short for “do not resuscitate,” is a medical form informing medical personnel not to perform CPR if the patient’s heart stops. A copy should be given to physicians and caregivers. Michigan law states that DNR orders are only valid when the patient is at home or in an assisted-living facility. Hospitals and nursing homes may or may not honor the document, depending on their policies.
Sometimes these directives are not enough to ensure the Alzheimer’s patient is healthy and safe, and the caregiver must seek Guardianship from a judge. This requires filing a petition in probate court to take power over a patient’s financial, medical and other life decisions as guardian or Conservator.
For more information about planning ahead, visit the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center
5 Tips for Creating a Caregiver Backup Plan and Why It Can’t Wait
Being a caregiver for a loved one is a busy role filled with daily tasks and responsibilities. Whether you’re providing support to an aging parent, a spouse with a chronic condition, or a family member with disabilities, your presence is essential. But what happens if you’re suddenly unable to fulfill your caregiving duties due to illness or another emergency?
That’s where a caregiver backup plan becomes crucial. Just like any other important responsibility, caregiving requires developing a contingency strategy to ensure your loved one’s well-being if you’re not available. Having a clear, actionable backup plan in place isn’t just smart, it’s a vital part of responsible caregiving.
Here’s why it can’t wait and 5 practical tips for getting started.
Why You Need to Create a Caregiver Backup Plan Now
Emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time. Whether it’s a personal health crisis, natural disaster, or unexpected life event, there may come a day when you can’t provide care. Without a plan in place, your loved one could be left vulnerable, even for a short period of time.
A caregiver backup plan gives you—and your loved one—peace of mind. It ensures continuity of care, avoids crisis-based decision-making, and helps others step in confidently when needed. Planning ahead reduces confusion, prevents stress, and protects your loved one’s safety and dignity.
Developing a Solid Caregiver Backup Plan
- Identify trusted backup caregivers.
Start by sitting down and putting together a list of people who could serve as temporary or emergency caregivers. This might include family members, close friends, neighbors, or even professional in-home care providers. Choose individuals you trust and who are capable and willing to help.
Talk to them directly and be honest about what caregiving involves. Ask for their consent and ensure they understand the level of care required. Even if they can only provide support for a short period, having multiple options is valuable.
- Create a detailed care plan.
A written care plan is the heart of your backup strategy. It should include:
- A daily schedule (medications, meals, hygiene, exercise)
- Medical information (conditions, allergies, prescriptions, doctors)
- Emergency contacts and physician contact information
- List of pharmacies, preferred hospitals, and transportation services
- Insurance information
- Legal documents (POA, living will, DNR orders)
- Routines and preferences (likes/dislikes, favorite foods, calming techniques)
Keep the plan clear, up to date, and easy to access. Share copies with your backup caregivers and store one in a visible place in the home.
- Prepare the home for others to step in.
Make the caregiving environment user-friendly for someone unfamiliar with it. Label medications clearly, keep medical supplies organized, and write down instructions for any equipment (e.g., oxygen machines, mobility aids). Ensure there’s adequate food, hygiene products, and other essentials.
Walk your backup caregiver through the home and show them where everything is. A quick orientation can make a big difference in how smoothly care is provided.
- Communicate with medical providers and services.
Notify your loved one’s healthcare providers and any in-home services (such as home health nurses or physical therapists) about your backup caregivers. Provide consent for them to speak with alternate caregivers, if needed. This step ensures medical professionals can still coordinate care or provide support if you’re unavailable.
- Revisit and update the plan regularly.
A backup plan isn’t something you “set and forget.” As your loved one’s needs change, your caregiving routine will likely change, too. Schedule time every few months—or sooner if your loved one has major changes in health—to review and update the care plan.
Also look through the contact list and emergency procedures to see if anything has changed. Stay in touch with your backup caregivers to make sure they’re still available and informed. This keeps the plan fresh and functional when you need it most.
Respite Care Can Be a Solution
As you are creating your plan, remember that many senior living communities offer respite care. These short-term services give caregivers an option if they need support around the clock. Contact a Heritage location near you to learn more today!
How to Advocate for a Family Elder
Dear Donna:
My great uncle lives with a couple of very serious medical conditions that require many health care appointments. Because he lives close to me and he doesn’t have any children, I have become his primary caregiver. While we have people who help with housekeeping and meals, my husband and I manage pretty much everything else for him.
The two of us and our teenagers are very fond of my uncle and want to do whatever we can to support him. However, I worry that I am not doing a great job monitoring his care. His needs are getting more and more complex.
Do you have any tips on advocating for a family elder? We could use whatever suggestions you might have with regard to health care, finances, and more.
Sincerely,
Katie in Spring Hill, MI
Tips to Help Family Caregivers Advocate for an Elder
Dear Katie:
What a great question! As our loved ones age, they often face increasing medical, financial, and legal challenges. We also know family members often worry about how well they are doing caring for a loved one. So, we are happy to have the opportunity to share some ideas.
Whether it’s navigating healthcare systems, dealing with insurance companies, or researching senior living communities, here are practical tips for being an effective advocate.
- Start by listening.
The first step in advocating for an older family member is understanding their needs, preferences, and concerns. Make time for open conversations with your uncle to make sure he feels valued and respected. Even if his memory is fading or he struggles with communication, it’s important to involve him in decisions as much as possible. Advocacy isn’t about taking control—it’s about empowering a senior loved one and helping them be heard.
- Get organized.
Keep all important documents, such as medical records, insurance information, legal documents (wills, power of attorney), and contact information for doctors or caregivers, in one place. Having organized records can help you respond quickly in emergencies and ensure you have accurate information when speaking with professionals.
You can also create a folder—physical or digital—with a log of appointments, medications, and care instructions. This helps you stay on top of your uncle’s needs and ensures consistency if others are helping provide care.
- Learn about their rights.
Seniors have specific rights, especially in medical and long-term care settings. Learn about patients’ rights, elder abuse laws, and Medicare or Medicaid regulations. This knowledge will help you identify when something isn’t right—like being overcharged for care or pressured into unwanted treatments—and speak up effectively. Resources like the National Institute on Aging and your local Area Agency on Aging can provide helpful guidance.
- Communicate clearly and respectfully.
When interacting with healthcare providers, social workers, or service agencies, you may need to be assertive but respectful. Prepare questions ahead of appointments, take notes, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. If something doesn’t feel right, seek a second opinion.
Always aim to keep your loved one informed about conversations and decisions. Even if they’re unable to fully participate, being transparent helps maintain trust and dignity.
- Watch for changes and warning signs.
Advocacy also means being observant. Watch for signs of elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or declining health. Unexplained injuries, sudden changes in mood, unusual financial transactions, or poor hygiene can all be red flags. If you suspect something is wrong, speak up and report it to the appropriate authorities or professionals.
I hope these tips are useful to you and your husband, Katie! If you have any more questions, we encourage you to contact a Heritage location near you. One of our experienced team members will be happy to help!
Kind regards,
Donna
What to Do After a Senior Loved One Is Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis for a loved one can be overwhelming, emotional, and downright frightening. While there’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are steps you can take immediately after diagnosis to help manage the condition. This includes some suggestions that researchers believe might help slow the disease’s progression.
Here’s a practical list to help families navigate this new chapter with confidence and care.
What’s Next When the Diagnosis Is Alzheimer’s Disease
- Research the disease.
Start by learning about Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a progressive brain disorder that gradually affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Understanding what stage your loved one is in can help you anticipate their needs.
Also, be sure to ask the doctor specific questions such as:
- How advanced is the disease?
- What symptoms should we expect next?
- Are there any new medications that might slow progression?
Reliable sources like the Alzheimer’s Association provide up-to-date, trustworthy information and tools for caregivers and families.
- Build a support team.
After the diagnosis, schedule follow-up appointments with recommended specialists. This might include a neurologist or geriatrician. It’s also helpful to meet with a social worker or case manager who can guide you through care options, resources, and support programs in your area.
Don’t underestimate the importance of emotional support. Reach out to a local or online Alzheimer’s support group for caregivers. Connecting with others going through similar experiences can be both reassuring and helpful.
- Begin legal and financial planning.
It’s crucial to start or review existing legal and financial planning while your loved one is still able to participate in decisions. Important steps include:
- Establishing or updating a power of attorney (for finances and healthcare)
- Creating a living will or advance directive
- Reviewing bank accounts, insurance policies, and estate plans
- Exploring long-term care insurance or Medicaid planning
- Create a care plan.
A care plan outlines how your loved one will be supported now and in the future. Consider who will assist with daily tasks, attend medical appointments, and help manage medications. Think about both current and long-term care needs.
It’s also important to keep the senior engaged in activities they enjoy. Staying mentally and socially active can help maintain quality of life and slow cognitive decline.
- Make the home safe.
Evaluate your loved one’s living environment to ensure it’s safe and dementia-friendly. Simple changes like labeling cabinets, removing tripping hazards, and installing grab bars can make a big difference.
As the disease progresses, you may need to add locks to exterior doors to prevent wandering or use GPS tracking devices for safety. Researchers say that an estimated 60% of people with Alzheimer’s will wander from home at some point. And those who wander once are more likely to do so again.
- Take care of the caregiver.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Don’t try to do everything alone. It’s essential for caregivers to take breaks, ask for help, and care for their own mental health. Take time now to explore nearby respite care services, adult day programs, and dementia care communities.
- Try to be flexible and empathetic.
With time, you’ll likely witness many changes in your loved one. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that can be difficult for both the person living with it and those who love them. Remember, what works today might not work next year—or even next week. Be prepared to adjust routines, seek new resources, and approach each day with patience, empathy, and understanding.
Specialized Dementia Care at Heritage
With eight specialized dementia care programs across the state of Michigan, Heritage leads the way in caring for adults with different types of memory loss. We invite you to call a location near you to learn more or to schedule a private tour at your convenience.