One of the best things you can do for you and your family is get legal, financial and care plans in place. Doing so allows you to participate in making decisions and ensures your family won't be forced to make them for you in a crisis situation.

Get help from the Alzheimer's Association

Contact the Alzheimer's Association to learn more about Alzheimer's and our support services, including:

• Our 24/7 Helpline at 1.800.272.3900 for care consultation, information and referral.
• Informational publications. 
• Our message boards to share your experiences.
• Support groups in your community. Find your chapter online. 

Participate in clinical trials

You may decide to help further Alzheimer's research by participating in a clinical drug trial. Dozens of these studies are actively seeking participants. Talk with your family and doctor, and learn more about participating in a study.

Benefits to participating in a study include:

• Direct contribution to cutting-edge research.
• Potential access to drugs that work as well as or better than currently available therapies.
• High standard of care.
• Additional medical expertise and follow-up.

Settle legal matters

Seek legal advice and services from your attorney who can help you with:

• Identifying and completing legal documents.
• Making plans for medical and treatment decisions.
• Making plans for finances and property.
• Naming another person to make decisions on your behalf when you longer can.

Start your financial planning

Everyone needs to find ways to make their money last. Reducing financial stress that can come from paying for care requires advance planning. You and your family should consider:

• Estimating the care costs you may face and ways to cover them.
• Reviewing your assets and finances, as well those of family members who may help cover costs.
• Seeking advice from a professional financial planner or an elder law attorney.
• Applying for Social Security Disability if you have younger-onset Alzheimer's (also called early-onset) and are no longer able to work due to the disease. On February 11, 2010, the Social Security Administration (SSA) added early-onset/younger-onset Alzheimer’s to the list of conditions under its Compassionate Allowance Initiative, giving those with the disease expedited access to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For more information on eligibility and applying for this benefit, see Social Security Disability.
• Learning more in our Financial Matters section

Consider future housing options and needed services

There may come a time when you need extra help living in your own home, or you may need to move. Help prepare for your future needs by:

• Expressing to your family wishes for continuing to live in your own home; discuss what help you would need to live there safely.
• Talking to your family about where you want to live and with whom when you can no longer live on your own.
• Finding out about local housing options, such as retirement communities, assisted living or residential care. Start your research with our Senior Housing Finder.
• Gathering information about local services, such as in-home help, home-delivered meals and transportation.