Attorney to speak at virtual Alzheimer's Association event

The diagnosis of a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease can be distressing, but handling the related legal and financial arrangements can be both overwhelming and confusing.

Erica Halwick is the owner and principal attorney at Halwick Law, LLC, which focuses on elder law, estate planning and asset protection. From 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Sept. 1, she will speak at the first part of the free virtual two-part series "Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s Disease" by the Alzheimer's Association Hudson Valley Chapter.

The firm is in Kingston, where Halwick graduated from high school before studying at the University at Albany SUNY and receiving her law degree at Albany Law School. Throughout her studies, she worked as a paralegal before returning as an attorney and taking over the practice.

Halwick said one of the most common problems families affected by dementia run into is a lack of pre-planning. Not putting plans in place after the initial diagnosis when the individual is still well makes the family's job that much harder.

She said the “The Big Three” points that should be included in a long-term plan are: Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney (for finances while the individual is living) and Health Care Proxy (for medical decisions).

Halwick said people are unaware there are many government programs that can help those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, including Medicaid, Medicare savings program, SNAP (food stamps program) and HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program). She said these programs can help families stretch out their dollars. She added that the most common topic people are afraid to ask usually relates to funding the cost of care, specifically regarding the stigma surrounding Medicaid.

She said there are ways to qualify by moving funds, and individuals often worry that they are “cheating,” but rest assured, Halwick said, “It wouldn’t be in the law if we couldn’t do it.”

Halwick said she hopes those affected by dementia think about things in advance and pre-plan. She said the best way to do this is to speak with trusted financial and legal professionals. Most importantly, she said she hopes that after hearing her presentation, participants will understand they have options.

To register for the program, call the Alzheimer's Association at 800.272.3900 or click here.

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection and maximizing quality care and support. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all dementia. Visit alz.org