Although no one in the San Jose area wants to think about whether they will be incapacitated at some point in their lives, planning for this event is important. Each year countless numbers of people become unable to manage their affairs. Whether it is temporary because they were in an accident or undergoing a medical procedure or they may be affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

There are many ways that a person can plan for incapacity. These include the following.

Disability insurance

This is important insurance for a person to have. It will replace a portion of a person’s income if they are unable to work.

Durable power of attorney

A person should designate someone as their durable power of attorney. This person would have the ability to make financial decisions on a person’s behalf if they become incapacitated.

Health care power of attorney

Another important power of attorney designee is a health care power of attorney. This person can make health care decisions for a person if they are incapacitated.

Revocable living trust

A trust allows a successor trustee to manage assets according to a person’s instructions in the trust. This can happen if a person is incapacitated. This trust can hold the title to all property and assets that are included in the trust.

Living will

This document is important in order to state what kind of health care a person would like to receive if they lose consciousness or capacity. It can include any kind of life saving measures that a person would want used on them if they are incapacitated.