As we age there is a certain level of inevitability that an increased amount of healthcare is common place. In some situations a person’s physical or mental faculties have create a need for long term care. Long term care comes in a variety of shapes and forms based on the level of involvement needed by the individual.
Prior to becoming an attorney I spent my days at the bedside as a registered nurse helping individuals transition from the hospital or skilled nursing care to either their residence with home health or to long term care facilities that could meet there needs.
I know first hand the struggles for families trying to find accurate and reliable assistance during these trying times. At Dobbs Legal Group I choose to be that voice as not only an attorney but also counselor on these issues.
Below is a list of just some of the ways our attorneys can assist if long term care has become necessary:
1. Understanding Long-Term Care Options:
– Types of Care: Attorneys can explain different types of long-term care, such as in-home care, assisted living, nursing homes, and specialized care for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
– Cost of Care: They can help clients understand the costs associated with these types of care and the financial implications.
2. Medicaid and Medicare Planning:
– Eligibility: Attorneys can guide clients through the complex process of qualifying for Medicaid, which is crucial for many to afford long-term care.
– Asset Protection: They can help protect a client’s assets while still ensuring they qualify for Medicaid, using strategies such as creating trusts or reallocating resources.
3. Estate Planning Integration:
– Trusts and Wills: Attorneys can create or modify wills and trusts to ensure that a client’s assets are distributed according to their wishes while also planning for long-term care costs.
– Powers of Attorney: Establishing powers of attorney for healthcare and finances allows a trusted individual to make decisions on behalf of the client if they become incapacitated.
4. Long-Term Care Insurance Advice:
– Policy Evaluation: Attorneys can review and advise on the benefits and limitations of long-term care insurance policies, ensuring they align with the client’s needs.
– Policy Claims: They can assist in filing claims or disputes with insurance companies.
5. Advance Directives and Living Wills:
– Healthcare Directives: Attorneys can draft documents that specify a client’s wishes regarding medical care and treatment preferences, ensuring these are respected if the client becomes unable to communicate their decisions.
– Living Wills: They can help establish living wills that outline the type of medical care a client wants or doesn’t want, particularly at the end of life.
6. Guardianship and Conservatorship:
– Legal Representation: If a person becomes incapacitated and unable to manage their own care, an attorney can assist in establishing guardianship or conservatorship to ensure that the client’s best interests are protected.
7. Tax Planning:
– Minimizing Tax Impact: Attorneys can help structure long-term care plans in a way that minimizes tax burdens, especially when transferring assets or setting up trusts.
8. Elder Law Advocacy:
– Protecting Rights: Attorneys can represent clients in cases of elder abuse or exploitation, ensuring their rights and well-being are safeguarded during long-term care.
By working with a knowledgeable attorney, individuals and families can create a comprehensive long-term care plan that addresses both current and future needs, while also protecting their financial resources and ensuring their wishes are honored.
Schedule a Free Consultation with our Senior Issues Attorneys today by calling 405-889-1439!
