Once you know the diagnosis is Alzheimer's, start planning immediately for a time when the person with AD can no longer make independent decisions. Coming to grips with the financial and legal consequences of a serious illness such as Alzheimer's is complicated and difficult. To ensure your loved one's care and comfort, it is essential that you talk with a lawyer about health and end-of-life wishes; how to manage your loved one's finances; and how to pay for long-term Alzheimer's care, which experts say costs many families as much as $200,000.