Put your papers in order after dementia
This guide covers paperwork only. Start with the people who may need to speak for you, where your papers are, and the permissions each office needs. Ask a lawyer in your state about signing or updating legal documents.
- 6 steps
- Paperwork only
- Checked October 14, 2026
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Choose someone to speak for you
Write down whom you want contacted first and a backup. Ask a lawyer in your state about a power of attorney and health care directive. The lawyer can advise on your situation and signing requirements.
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Ask your bank about its process
Call the bank using its official contact details. Ask what it needs to review a power of attorney you already have. Record the answer and which branch or department you contacted.
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Give Medicare the right permission
If you have Medicare, read how to send form CMS-10106. Choose whom Medicare may speak with about your information. Keep a note of when you submitted it.
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Record your Social Security choices
Read Social Security advance designation. You can record whom Social Security should consider if you later need a payee. This is separate from a power of attorney.
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Show where your papers are
Write down where the originals are kept and who has copies. Ask a person you trust to find the list while you are together. Leave out passwords and account numbers.
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Tell your family what you chose
Choose what to tell your family and when. Use talk cards if a written starting point helps. Ask your family to repeat back the first call they would make.
Good to know
Do you give medical advice?
No. This guide covers paperwork and account arrangements. Ask your care team about medical questions.
Is it too late to sign papers?
Ask a lawyer in your state now. Signing requirements depend on the document and your circumstances. This guide cannot decide whether you can sign.
Can my family help with this?
Yes, if you want them to. Choose what to share and keep control of your decisions. They can help find papers and write down the questions you want to ask.
What we checked
| Fact | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare needs your permission in writing before 1-800-MEDICARE shares your personal health information with someone else. Form CMS-10106 gives that permission. | Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (03/2026) | Oct 14, 2026 |
| While you are able, you can name up to three people Social Security would consider first to manage your benefits if you ever can't. This is called advance designation of a representative payee. | Social Security Administration | Oct 14, 2026 |
| The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau publishes free guides for people managing money for someone else, including agents under a power of attorney. | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau | Oct 14, 2026 |
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Plan Before You Die isn't connected with Medicare or the U.S. government. Something wrong here? Tell us.