Long-Term Care
First Class Counsel is specialized in Helping Families Plan for Long-Term Care.
Legally and emotionally, long-term care planning is a complex issue. Long-term care insurance can be expensive, and policies can be confusing. There are also strict laws associated with Medicaid qualification, including income limits and wealth transfer laws that could exclude you from benefits. Working with our attorneys experienced in nursing home planning enables you to choose the right type of planning for your specific situation. In the maze of confusion, we can find a solution that best suits your needs.
There are many factors to consider when assessing a person’s needs and preferences for care. It may be difficult to know which care setting is best for you and your loved ones. Here are some factors to consider:
Independent Living is appropriate for individuals who are still able to manage their lives independently. In this setting, the most common services provided are meals, housekeeping, activities, maintenance, security, and transportation. In response to an increasingly aging population with growing care needs, many communities are now offering care services to their “independent” residents. An independent living community is ideal for individuals who are capable of living alone, are interested in having more social contact with their peers, no longer drive, and wish to live a “maintenance-free” lifestyle.
Assisted Living is for individuals who need assistance around the clock. Care needs vary greatly from person to person and there are many different types of communities that offer this type of care. An assisted living community is ideal for individuals who need assistance throughout the day due to physical and/or cognitive limitations and yet have some ability to move on their own.
Board and care facilities are typically single-family houses that have been converted into residences for elderly and/or disabled individuals. They house up to six residents in each home. All board and care facilities provide the basic assisted living services but fewer amenities and nonessential services. Some homes cater to specific resident needs.
Home care is the most preferred place to live for seniors in the comfort of their own home. Home is ideal for individuals who are cognitively, mentally, and physically capable of caring for themselves, or who have adequate support from loved ones or hired caregivers and whose homes are safe environments for them to age in place.
The earlier you plan, the better your options are. We recommend that you start this process by considering whether you would like in-home care or nursing home care, the cost for each option, whether having a private room is important to you, how you can save for the future care, how you may be able to qualify for government benefits, and most importantly how to protect your assets for your future care, your surviving spouse and your family.
Call First Class Counsel for a consultation, let’s discuss your Long-Term Care options and design a perfect plan for You and your loved ones.
