According to Kapp, there are three basic models of surrogate decision-making. In the most traditional model, the decision-maker acts according to her own values in what she believes to be the patient's best interest. The second approach encourages the decision-maker to imagine what the patient's own preferences would be. The third model, known as Advance Planning, goes one important step further, by referring to written preferences articulated by the patient before severe dementia set in. These stated wishes usually take the form of trusts, durable powers of attorney, living wills, etc.
Support organizations provide some limited financial and medical planning guidance.
However, most people will find it necessary to consult a lawyer. Elder Law, though not certified in every state, is a growing field in which lawyers specialize in procedures important to older adults. Even if they are not certified as elder lawyers, however, most trust and estate lawyers are familiar with other elder law issues like Medicaid eligibility and advance directives. Among the elder lawyer's legal tools, trusts are perhaps most important for clients with significant financial assets. Most trusts dictate how resources will be handled after the individual's death.