My Mother is in the moderate stage of dementia. She has no short term memory at all and long term is not that sharp either. We only completed and had notorized a Durable POA year's ago before her disease escalated, and, she could still make decisions, but, did not have the other forms done, like medical directives, etc. She lives with my husband and I, and we are her sole caregivers. She has no assets, no insurance, no property aside from personal property (clothes, jewerly etc). All she receives is a monthly social security check. At this point of her disease, would the best decision be to contact an Elder Lawyer for the rest of the forms? If she's incompetent to make decisions now, how would we proceed?
I would consult with an elder law attorney, just so you know what all your options are and know that you've addressed them. This would be especially important if there are any accounts which aren't held jointly with her.
If you haven't already, inventory her assets as well as the joint or single designations, and discuss with an attorney what happens to those accounts after her death.
Where is this going for you guys? Medicaid? Care facility?