Who Needs Long-Term Planning?

Thanks to healthier lifestyles and enhanced medical technology, life expectancies in the U.S. are at an all-time high. But that also means more seniors will require some form of long-term care. Whether in-home assistance or a long-term nursing home stay, it’s becoming inevitable that most of us will require such care at some point in our lives.

Problem is, such long-term care is growing more expensive every day. In fact, some studies estimate that nearly two-thirds of families will run out of money within the first year or two of moving into a nursing home. Unfortunately, most private health insurance plans and Medicare don’t cover long-term care costs—which can average $4,000 to $12,000+ per month in the U.S., depending on where you live and what level of care you require.

Elder Law & Medicaid Planning Attorneys Can Help

With such exorbitant costs, it’s no wonder we’re facing a looming elder-care crisis in this country. Indeed, it’s heartbreaking for seniors to see their entire life savings (and the inheritance they worked so hard to leave their family), get gobbled up by long-term care expenses.

Fortunately, with the proper planning in place, you can rest assured that you and your loved ones will have the proper safeguards in place to keep you at home as long as you desire, cover the expenses of your care and receive the maximum quality of care, when it’s needed. We can also help you qualify for Medicaid and other benefits to help cover these ongoing expenses.

Indeed, using trusts and other asset-protection strategies, you and your loved ones may be able to take advantage of government benefits without “spending down” all of your assets or losing everything you own. Our elder law attorneys can help you create a comprehensive plan that allows you to live out your golden years without worry or financial hardship.

Additional Elder Law Issues

Elder law involves a number of issues that are intertwined with traditional estate planning. For example, it’s essential to have your durable power of attorney, will, living trusts, and advanced directives reviewed by your Personal Family Lawyer®.

There are special provisions that need to be present in these documents that — if not included — can create unnecessary obstacles for your estate planning attorney. We can provide the legal assistance you need to navigate this and other elder law issues, such as probate or adult guardianship.