Saturday, October 13, 2012

Alzheimer's Care Asheville: Living Trusts and Living Wills - Which One?

By Jim Smeaton
Planning for the future is a major activity at every stage of life - especially before the onset of a debilitating disease such as Alzheimer's. When individuals are younger, they may save for a car, for the birth of their children, or for yearly vacations. As they age, they may focus more intently on planning ahead for retirement, medical costs, and the educational expenses that their kids incur. When individuals reach a certain age, it is important to consider not only financial preparation, but also medical preparation as well. The home care providers at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, understand the value that lies in making crucial decisions regarding healthcare and financial assets. For many seniors, making and legally stating these decisions is one way to help their families through the difficulties they will experience when their elderly individuals pass on or suffer from devastating medical complications. 

Living wills and living trusts are two of the most popular preparatory devices that seniors utilize. These legal documents are similar in that they allow individuals to specify their wishes; however, they are different in virtually every other way. 

Here are some highlights regarding these two legal documents. When helping your senior plan for the future, encourage them to speak to their attorney about how a living will or living trust will benefit both them and their family together. 


Living Wills
  • his document outlines a senior's wishes regarding their medical care.
  • Commonly, living wills address medical decisions that are controversial or would prove difficult for a family member to make. 
  • By listing their wishes ahead of time, seniors can ensure that their desires are met and that their family members are not placed into an uncomfortable decision-making situation.
  • Most often, a living will details the desire of an individual regarding life support, organ donation, and a variety of other healthcare issues. 

Living Trusts
  • Living trusts are actually a wonderful way to manage assets at any stage of life.
  • This particular legal vehicle is also called a revocable living trust, declaration of trust, inter vivos trust, and revocable trust. 
  • Trusts allow individuals to manage assets, such as property and other investments. 
The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC understand that planning ahead is often difficult. Not only is it impossible to know exactly what decisions will need to be made, it can be emotionally challenging to make such decisions. But elder care providers also know the immense value that wills and trusts hold for families. As such, they encourage you to talk to your senior about their wishes and how it is best to ensure that your family is able to legally fulfill them. 

We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.

We have many videos available to you regarding senior issues, view them here.

Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.

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