Legal Considerations When Caring for Individuals with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Attorney William M. Berman of the San Diego, California, based law firm Berman & Riedel, LLP, recently spoke at the April 6, 2013 Scripps Conference entitled Caring For Loved Ones With Dementia.  Speaking to a group of over 100 attendees, Mr. Berman gave a comprehensive presentation about the Legal Considerations When Caring For A Loved One With Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

During his presentation, Mr. Berman discussed issues including: important legal documents to consider, helping to protect individuals from and tips for dealing with wandering behaviors as well as the options available when caring for a person with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other memory loss impairments.

Mr. Berman’s presentation also included information on topics relating to California’s Elder Abuse Act.  Such topics included general background information about Legislative Declarations and Intent behind California’s Elder and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, understanding important aspects of California’s  Elder and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act and a checklist description of the most common signs of elder abuse and neglect.  He also discussed who to and how best to report suspected acts of elder abuse or neglect.

Coordinated and hosted by Scripps affiliated marriage and family therapist Debra Lobatz, MA, who specializes in working with and counseling individuals and family members of those afflicted with Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of memory loss, Mr. Berman was one of three guest speakers and the only attorney to address the audience during the conference.  The other guest speakers included Board Certified Neurologist Irene Oh, MD, and Neuropsychologist Mark McDonough, Ph.D.  Representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association, Elder Care Guides, and the Glenner Center were also present at the conference to provide additional information about resources for caregivers and patients dealing with issues of Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of memory loss.

Open to the public free of charge, the annual conference has been put on at the Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas campus for the past three years and will likely continue into the future.  The date and list of speakers for the anticipated 2014 conference have not yet been released.

If you would like more information about the conference or the topics discussed, feel free to contact Mr. Berman via email [email protected] or call his office at (858) 350-8855.