August is National Make a Will Month, a reminder that one of the most meaningful gifts we can give our loved ones is not something wrapped in a box, but a plan.
Many people put off creating a will because they believe they have plenty of time, don't have enough assets, or simply aren't sure where to begin. Yet having a will is about much more than deciding who receives your belongings: it is an act of care that can provide clarity, reduce stress, and ease difficult decisions for the people you love most.
I experienced the importance of planning ahead firsthand with my own parents. I was deeply thankful that they had taken the time to put their wills in order. But as my mother's dementia progressed, it became clear that a will alone was not enough.
Having durable powers of attorney in place became essential. They allowed me to manage her financial and personal affairs, communicate with healthcare providers, and make important decisions on her behalf. Because those conversations had happened and the necessary documents were completed ahead of time, I was able to focus more fully on caring for my mother rather than navigating complicated legal issues during an already difficult time.
That experience reinforced something I now share with families every day: planning ahead isn't about expecting the worst. It's about giving yourself and the people you love the greatest possible gift when life takes an unexpected turn.
At Alzheimer's Resource Alaska, we often meet families who are navigating unexpected changes after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or another dementia. While no one likes to imagine these situations, planning allows individuals to make important decisions while they are still able to express their wishes. Conversations about financial planning, healthcare decisions, and legal documents can be challenging, but they are among the greatest acts of kindness we can offer our families.
A will is just one piece of a thoughtful plan. Advance healthcare directives, durable powers of attorney, and discussions about future care preferences can help ensure your voice is heard, even if you are unable to speak for yourself one day. These documents also help loved ones feel more confident when making decisions on your behalf.
Planning ahead is not only for older adults or those facing health concerns. Life is unpredictable, and every adult can benefit from having these conversations early. Having a plan in place allows families to spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time focusing on one another when it matters most.
For some, creating a will also becomes an opportunity to reflect on the legacy they hope to leave. A legacy is about more than financial assets. It includes the values we pass on, the memories we create, the kindness we show others, and the causes we choose to support. Whether that legacy is caring for your family, volunteering in your community, or helping future generations through charitable giving, thoughtful planning allows your values to live on.
At Alzheimer's Resource Alaska, we are honored by those who choose to remember our mission through planned giving. Their generosity helps ensure that future Alaskans living with dementia, along with their families and care partners, will continue to have access to education, support, care coordination, memory screenings, support groups, and programs that help people live well throughout the dementia journey.
If you have been putting off creating or updating your will, consider using National Make a Will Month as an opportunity to take the first step. Talk with your family, consult an attorney or estate planning professional, and begin the conversations that can bring peace of mind for years to come.
The plans we make today become one of the greatest gifts we leave tomorrow.
"A will is more than a legal document. It is one final act of care that helps protect the people and causes you love most."
Leave a legacy of compassion
Estate planning is also an opportunity to reflect on the impact you hope to leave behind. For many people, that includes supporting organizations and causes that have been meaningful throughout their lives. To learn more about planned giving opportunities through Alzheimer's Resource Alaska, visit http://www.alzalaska.org/legacy-giving.
A legacy is about more than what you leave behind. It's about the lives you touch, the values you share, and the future you help shape.
Lisa Sauder is the CEO of Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska.
