Question:
My mom was recently diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's. What legal documents should she complete before her symptoms worsen and she is no longer capable of making health or financial decisions on her own?
- Brenda H., Columbus, OH      
Answer:
Thanks for your question, Brenda, and I'm sorry to hear about your mom's diagnosis. If she hasn't done so already, one of the best things your mom can do for her family is to establish an estate plan which can avoid probate court. The plan should include a living trust or a last will and testament, a durable power of attorney, health care power of attorney and living will  outlining directives for health care, finances and property. A durable power of attorney allows your mom to designate you or another trusted individual to make decisions about her finances - such as income or assets and investments, when she can no longer do so.

By using these documents, you and your family can avoid the inconvenience, expense and publicity of probate court, and your mom's dignity and privacy can be ensured. 

A little planning and money spent now is well worth it when you compare the potential cost and confusion of waiting until it's too late for your mom's wishes to be known.
Pictured above is Jen (far right) with her parents, Marlene and Bill Kinsey (center), and her five siblings.
Several members of the Resch and Root team recently took part in a special bowling event to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association. The event was hosted by the family of one of our staff members, Jen Crabtree, whose mom was diagnosed with the disease three years ago. Together we fought to "Strike Out Alzheimer's" in honor of Jen's mom, and helped raise over $14,500 for the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

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