THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JAnuARy 9, 2026 EVENTS | FROM PAGE 14 Elder Law, Dememtia and Mental Capacity I n the context of estate planning and the practice of elder law, it is important to understand the difference between dementia and mental capacity. Elder law attorneys need to have a good understanding of the difference when meeting with clients to execute estate planning documents and to realize when someone is or is not able to sufficiently understand the nature of the documents that will be executed. Dementia involves a significant decline in one or more of the following: 1. Cognitive decline including attention, memory, language, visuospatial ability and executive function;2. Behavioral changes such as personality shifts, impulsivity, anger or apathy; 3. The activities of daily living such as feeding oneself, taking medications, managing money, hygiene maintenance and preparing meals. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia for those individuals age 65 or older, typically involving short term memory loss, language difficulty, or getting lost in familiar situations. The decline is not sudden but rather gradual over time. Capacity involves a clinical opinion, most often rendered by a physician, psychologist, or nurse practitioner. Determination of mental competency is usually made by a judge. A person might have the capacity to execute a Durable Power of Attorney, for example, but might not have the capacity to manage his or her financial affairs. A clinical assessment of capacity will focus on four abilities: 1. Comprehending the nature and purpose of the decision; 2. The ability to apply information presented to his of friends. Origami Club: Parlin Children’s Room, Saturday, January 17, at 12 p.m.; learn how to fold paper animals of all kinds! Open to all ages and abilities. Paper and instruction will be provided. Shute Adult and Teens Ready Player One Games: or her own situation; 3. The ability to compare options in order to come to a sound decision; and 4. Being able to express the choice to be made in a clear and consistent manner. The most important part of decision making involves executive function. When executive function falters, you will find that many people’s judgments will be diminished, that there is an inability to plan appropriately, a typical lack of being aware of the mistakes that they are making and also, in today’s fraud environment, more likely to fall for scams. The elderly in our country are being preyed upon continuously by people all over the world. Capacity will often erode over time. It does not erode overnight. Dementia can also progress over a long period of time. Memory loss is certainly important for loved ones to recognize, but more important is whether an individual still knows what he or she is doing and whether or not he or she is behaving in ways that align with past traditional values. Often, family members need to assist elder lawyers in making sure much needed estate/Medicaid planning is executed when the individual is still able to do so. They are the first ones to recognize when a loved one is suffering from dementia or a lack of mental capacity. Joseph D. Cataldo is an estate planning/elder law attorney, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, AICPA Personal Financial Specialist and holds a masters degree in taxation. Shute Meeting Room, January 14 at 2:30 p.m. Level up your Wednesdays with our ultimate gaming hangout! Grab your friends and dive into fun Nintendo Switch and PlayStation games; whether you’re racing, battling or teaming up for co-op fun, there’s something for everyone. No registration required; recommended for ages 11 and up. This program will run every Wednesday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted on our online calendar. G-Mail Tips and Tricks: Shute Meeting Room, Wednesday, January 15, at 12 p.m. Go beyond sending and receiving with this hands-on workshop about Gmail features! This Page 15 workshop will cover important features like spellchecking, formatting emails, searching your inbox, adding a signature and attaching files. Registration is required. Shute Children’s Study Buddies: Shute Children’s Room, Monday through Friday from 3-5 p.m. Need homework help? Come to the Shute Library and study with the Study Buddies, our free afterschool program offering tutoring and academic support for students in grades K-8. Friendly tutors are here to guide you through tricky assignments, help you prepare for tests and build confidence in every subject. Grab n Go Crafts: Stop by the Children’s Room every Monday for a Grab and Go craft — a self-directed arts and crafts program for children ages three to eight. Crafts can be taken home or crafted with a friend or caregiver at the library. No registration required, while supplies last. Miss Val’s Storytime Pals: Children’s Room, Mondays at 10 a.m. and Tuesdays at 12 ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS - Welcome to this classic Colonial offering 6 rms, 3 bdrms, 2 baths, 1st flr primary bedroom, warm and inviting layout featuring hardwood floors, cozy living room, functional eat in kitchen with granite countertops, pantry closet & formal dining room, ideal for everyday living or entertaining, convenient 1st floor laundry, 2nd floor offers additional full bath, 2 bedrooms - one with a cedar storage window seat, Full walk out basement, great corner lot, 1+ car garage with storage, paved patio, storage shed This bright and sunny layout is enhanced by many updates including new heating system, central air, newer roof & replacement windows making this home truly move in ready with lasting value. PERFECT! Offered at $674,900 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net p.m. What’s better than a good story? Sharing it with friends! Join Miss Val at the Shute Library for Fairytale Fun!
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