Planning for Alzheimer’s: What Legal Documents You Need Right Now

In 2025, over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is only expected to rise. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in three seniors dies with

Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. But it's not only older adults who are facing this diagnosis anymore. Early-onset Alzheimer's, which can affect people in their 40s and 50s, is becoming more common. As baby boomers continue to age, families across the country, especially here in Tennessee, are asking the same urgent question: What legal steps should we take right now?

Legal planning for Alzheimer’s in Tennessee isn’t just a matter of paperwork. It’s about reducing stress, avoiding confusion, and making sure that loved ones have a say in their care and financial future, even if memory loss progresses.

The Growing Need for Legal Planning for Alzheimer’s in Tennessee

In Tennessee alone, almost 130,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s disease. The state is bracing for a continued rise in diagnoses over the next decade. More than a statistic, it should be a signal that more families need to be thinking about how to support loved ones legally and financially before the disease advances.

Many people wait too long. They assume there will be time. But Alzheimer’s doesn’t follow a predictable timeline. Decision-making capacity can fade faster than expected. That’s why it’s important to act while your loved one can still participate in these conversations and sign documents with full understanding.

The Most Common Concerns from Families

If you’re reading this because you’re worried about a parent, spouse, or even yourself, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common concerns we hear:

· What happens if my loved one can’t manage their finances anymore?

· How can I make medical decisions if they can’t speak for themselves?

· What legal forms do we need in Tennessee to be protected?

· Will I have to go to court for conservatorship?

· How do we keep them safe while still respecting their independence?

These are valid, and they deserve clear answers. Legal planning helps to preserve control and peace of mind.

A Checklist for Legal Planning for Alzheimer’s in Tennessee

Even though this is a deeply emotional journey, having a clear checklist helps. If someone you love has been diagnosed or is showing signs of memory loss, here’s where to start:

1. Durable Power of Attorney for Finances

This gives someone you trust the ability to manage finances, pay bills, handle investments, and take care of property. It must be signed while the person still has legal capacity.

2. Medical Power of Attorney (also called a Health Care Agent)

This document lets your loved one appoint someone to make health care decisions when they can’t. It includes the authority to talk with doctors, access records, and decide on treatments.

3. Advance Directive for Health Care

Sometimes called a living will, this form outlines what types of medical treatments a person wants or doesn’t want, such as feeding tubes or life support. Tennessee offers a specific form recognized by local hospitals.

4. HIPAA Authorization

This allows designated individuals to access private medical records. Without it, even spouses or children may be shut out of crucial conversations with healthcare providers.

5. Will or Living Trust

A will defines how assets should be distributed after death. A living trust can go a step further and help avoid probate, which is especially helpful if Alzheimer's lasts for many years and the estate becomes more complex.

6. Guardianship and Conservatorship Planning

While not something families hope for, it’s important to understand that if there’s no legal paperwork in place and your loved one can no longer make decisions, the court may need to appoint a guardian or conservator. Planning ahead avoids this.

7. Long-Term Care Planning and Medicaid Considerations

Alzheimer's is expensive. Assisted living, nursing homes, and memory care units can quickly drain a person's savings. Planning ahead with an elder law attorney can help preserve assets and explore options for Medicaid in Tennessee.

Legal Planning Means Peace of Mind

Facing Alzheimer's is never easy. However, having a plan in place can significantly alleviate a massive burden off your shoulders. It means fewer emergency decisions, fewer fights among family members, and more time spent focusing on care and connection.

Starting legal planning for Alzheimer’s in Tennessee doesn't require a diagnosis. In fact, the best time to prepare is before there are any symptoms at all. But if you or a loved one are already on this path, the next best time to act is right now.

We’re Here to Help at Johnson McGinnis Elder Law & Estate Planning

At Johnson McGinnis Elder Law & Estate Planning, we guide Tennessee families through the legal steps they need to take when Alzheimer’s enters their lives. Our team understands how emotional and overwhelming this can be, and we approach every conversation with compassion, clarity, and a deep understanding of elder law.

If you're not sure where to start or have questions about how to protect a loved one, contact us to talk to our caring team. We’ll help you create a plan that brings comfort, confidence, and peace of mind. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.