Lessons Learned From Jay Leno

I’m not one to follow celebrity news, but it does catch my eye when it correlates to my work with dementia. There’s been a few Hollywood headlines lately about how comedian and former Tonight Show host Jay Leno has filed for conservatorship for his wife of over forty years, Mavis Leno. Mavis Leno has a dementia diagnosis and her symptoms are progressing. According to the article, “The conservatorship is “being established for the sole purpose of” ensuring Mavis’s estate plan will be executed and that her “future care is provided for under the terms of a living trust” should Jay predecease her.”

I know many of you know first-hand how difficult it is to care for a loved one as they go through cognitive decline. Adding legal entanglements and court dates makes the situation all that more stressful and emotionally wrought. 

This is yet another area where an early diagnosis is important. We know that it is easier to slow progression and reverse symptoms the earlier one starts addressing their cognitive decline. It is also easier to plan for the future together, building a support system for the person with dementia and just as importantly, their caregivers.

It’s important to put the tools in place now that will be helpful in the future. Four areas to address are:

Health Care Planning

• Create a living will to let doctors know a person’s wishes in the event they are unable to make their own decisions.
• Specify a durable power of attorney to enable a specified person to make medical decisions for them if they are unable.

Financial Planning

• Again, a will is necessary for distribution of the estate/financial assets, care for minors and end-of-life arrangements when someone passes away.
• A durable power of attorney is important in this capacity as well to make financial decisions if they are unable.
• A living trust will name and instruct a trustee to manage the estate and funds if a person is no longer able.

Long-Term Care Planning

• Discuss where the person wants to live and be cared for as they age. Be realistic about how different residences can support them and provide a safe environment.
• Evaluate what services are available in the area and how much they will cost.
• Plan to make these decisions far enough in advance, so that the person can be involved in making them.

End-of-Life Planning

• Advance directives and durable power of attorney can alleviate the burden of caregivers and loved ones at this difficult time. 
• Consider the quality of life in conjunction with care to extend life.

More detailed descriptions of each of these areas can be found at Alzheimers.gov from the National Institute of Aging. The National Institute of Aging also provides this free downloadable PDF checklist for “Getting Your Affairs in Order.” 

In my upcoming book, Reversing Alzheimer’s I have a section dedicated to the kind of medical care one might need and what you can expect insurance to cover to help you with health care and financial planning. 

If you’d like to learn more about how to plan for residence in Marama or the Clear Mind Center, fill out an application here. You’ll be able to talk directly with someone about your needs and if this is a good fit now or in the future.

These emotionally-charged topics can be difficult to discuss even in the best circumstances. If you need help on how to start the conversation with someone who has been diagnosed or is showing signs of cognitive decline, download my free conversation guide. 

I encourage you to take the time to address your future needs and the future needs of your loved ones. This kind of planning can have a great effect on the cognitive health and quality of life for everyone involved. 

Warmly,
Dr. Heather Sandison

P.S. – In last week’s email I shared exciting news about MOCA scores improving for residents at Marama and Clear Mind Center. Just a week later I got word of another big improvement – a resident’s MOCA test improved 4 points since she moved in just a few months ago!