Protecting What Matters: Estate Planning During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
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June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month — time dedicated to increasing understanding, advancing research and honoring the lives touched by this devastating disease. For the Black community, where Alzheimer’s is nearly twice as prevalent as in white Americans, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, the month carries an even more urgent message: We must plan ahead to protect our families, preserve our assets and ensure that our legacies reflect our values.
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy — it is a critical act of love and protection for every Black family. It is the blueprint for what happens when we can no longer speak for ourselves due to illness like Alzheimer’s or after we pass. When done early and thoughtfully, estate planning helps ensure that our wishes are honored, our children are cared for and our assets stay within our community.
The Alzheimer’s Connection
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia that impacts memory, thinking and behavior. It slowly robs individuals of their ability to make decisions, communicate and recognize their loved ones. By the time many families confront the realities of Alzheimer’s, it is often too late to put legal protections in place.
The Alzheimer’s Connection
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia that impacts memory, thinking and behavior. It slowly robs individuals of their ability to make decisions, communicate and recognize their loved ones. By the time many families confront the realities of Alzheimer’s, it is often too late to put legal protections in place.
This is why starting the estate planning process before there is a diagnosis — or early in the disease’s progression — is essential. Legal documents like a durable power of attorney, health care proxy and living will give trusted family members the authority to make decisions on your behalf. Without them, families may face legal battles or be forced to make heartbreaking guesses about your wishes.
A Community Call to Action
The truth is, far too many of our elders die without a will or plan in place, and the consequences are serious. Homes passed down through generations are lost to probate court or tax sales. Siblings argue over money. Caregivers are left without clear guidance or financial support. These struggles are preventable with proactive estate planning.
The truth is, far too many of our elders die without a will or plan in place, and the consequences are serious. Homes passed down through generations are lost to probate court or tax sales. Siblings argue over money. Caregivers are left without clear guidance or financial support. These struggles are preventable with proactive estate planning.
In our community, we must break the silence and stigma around both dementia and estate planning. Talking about what will happen when we age or become ill is not morbid — it is empowering. It ensures that the values we live by today continue to guide our families tomorrow.
Planning is Power
Planning is Power
This June, as we honor those living with Alzheimer’s and remember those we have lost, let us also commit to taking action. Make an appointment with an estate planning attorney who understands your values and community. Update your legal documents if it’s been more than five years or if your health has changed. Talk to your loved ones about your plans.
Estate planning is not just about death — it’s about living with dignity, clarity and control. It’s about showing up for our families now so they won’t have to scramble later.
Let’s turn awareness into action. Protect your mind, your money and your legacy. Because our community is worth planning for.
