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My husband was officially diagnosed in January 2024 with vascular dementia following 2 CT’s and a lengthy evaluation. I read it is one of the more aggressive forms of dementia with an average life expectancy of 5 years. I’m planning for future care, because I know what’s coming, but understand Medicaid in Georgia has a 5 year look back period. With that lengthy look back, I’m not sure I should even consider Medicaid as an future option in my plan.

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My late husband was diagnosed with vascular dementia in July 2018, but was showing signs a good year prior, and died Sept. 2020.
I was blessed to be able to keep him at home the entire time, even though it was quite difficult at times and even after he became completely bedridden for the last 22 months of his life and was under hospice care.
And because I was able to keep him at home, and because he went fairly quickly, I didn't have to worry about any trusts or Medicaid or the like.
So because vascular dementia is the most aggressive of all the dementias, with a life expectancy of just 5 years, I would say to get your legal ducks in a row now(and that will look different for everyone)and just enjoy whatever time you may have left with your husband.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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Your doctor is the best guesser here and will likely not do so. First of all the doc knows the whole person as well as the depth and breadth of the diagnosis and prognosis. You can read generalizations online but they are just that.
There is no way to predict this.
You are going to need Medicaid as this isn't doable or affordable in the home.
So you need to keep meticulous records now.
I would consult an elder law attorney about possible division of finances as this could eat into money you will need for your own future.
Buy and hour of time with an elder law attorney. Take with you what you know of all your finances, amounts and where they are (for instance "this in housing", "this in accounts, " this in CDs, in stocks and etc.
You need careful guidance now in so far as possible, but these things are unpredictable. He could have a massive stroke and death tomorrow or he could go on many years past 5, and you will NOT be doing home care during that.

I am so very sorry about this dire diagnosis. Go online and learn all you are able. Enlist all the help you can find.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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datanp97 2 hours ago
Appreciate the sound advice. Living in GA, there is, unfortunately, no division of assets. (Only Medicaid divorce.) My husband and I…..we are as one.
My elder law attorney recommended placing assets into Medicaid compliant Trusts, but if there is less than a 5 year life expectancy and a 5 year look back, Trust’s don’t seem appropriate. Then again…. I just might be the one who has the stroke !!
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