Our population is aging at an accelerated pace, and with that aging, the need to prepare for cognitive decline is also increasing.
Since 2000, the national median age in the U.S. has increased by 3.4 years, with the largest single-year gain of 0.3 years in 2021, when the median age reached 38.8 years. This may seem young compared to the life expectancies of older Americans. However, the median age in 1960 was significantly lower, at 29.5 years, according to the article “Don’t Let Cognitive Decline Derail Well-Laid Financial Plans” from Think Advisor.
An aging population brings many challenges to estate planning attorneys, who are mindful of the challenges of aging, and cognitive decline, both mental, physical, and financial. Experienced estate planning attorneys are in the best position to help clients prepare for these challenges by taking concrete steps to protect themselves.
Individuals with cognitive decline become more vulnerable to potential negative influences. At the same time, their network of trusted friends and family members begins to shrink. As people become older, they are often more isolated, making them increasingly susceptible to scams. The current scam-rich environment is yet another reason to use estate planning.
When diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or any other form of cognitive decline, an estate plan must be implemented as soon as possible, as long as they can still express their wishes. A diagnosis can lead to profound distress. However, there is no time to delay.
While typically, the person may state they wish their spouse to be entrusted with everything, this has to be properly documented and is only part of the solution. This is especially the case if the couple is close in age. A secondary and even tertiary agent needs to be made part of the plan for incapacity.
The documents needed to protect the individual and the family are a will, financial power of attorney, durable power of attorney, and health care documentation. In addition, for families with more sophisticated finances and legacy goals, trusts and other estate and tax planning strategies are needed. For many families, this included considering a strategy for qualifying for Medicaid payment of nursing home expenses and the consideration of a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust. It also requires planning for the possibility that a healthy caretaking spouse may die first.
A common challenge occurs when parents cannot entrust their children to be named as their primary or secondary agents. For example, suppose no immediate family members can be trusted to manage their affairs. In that case, it may be necessary to appoint a family friend or the child of a family friend known to be responsible and trustworthy.
To prepare for cognitive decline, creating a power of attorney and associated documents by an estate planning attorney is critical. This is because if no one is named, the court will need to step in and name a professional guardian. This person won’t know the person or their family dynamics and may not put their ward’s best interests first, even though they are legally bound to do so. There have been many reports of financial and emotional abuse by court-appointed guardians, so this is something to avoid if possible.
Reference: Think Advisor (April 21, 2023) “Don’t Let Cognitive Decline Derail Well-Laid Financial Plans”
